Accurate laboratory results begin long before samples arrive at the laboratory. Proper field sampling techniques are essential for minimizing the potential for cross-contamination and ensuring data quality. Because PFAS compounds are found in many everyday consumer products, extra care should be taken during sample collection.
The following best practices are adapted from guidance provided by the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) and are intended as a convenient field reference. Always follow your project-specific Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), applicable regulatory requirements, and current sampling guidance.
1. Wear PFAS-Free Personal Protective Equipment
Select powder-free nitrile gloves and change gloves frequently, especially between each sample location. Avoid waterproof or stain-resistant clothing and other gear that may contain PFAS treatments.
2. Avoid Common Sources of Cross-Contamination
Many everyday products may contain PFAS and should be kept away from sampling equipment and open sample containers whenever possible. Examples include:
Waterproof or stain-resistant clothing
Certain cosmetics and moisturizers
Sunscreens (unless confirmed PFAS-free)
Insect repellents
Some permanent markers
Food packaging, including grease-resistant wrappers
Disposable coffee cups and fast-food containers
When in doubt, keep potential PFAS-containing materials away from the sampling area.
3. Handle Sample Containers Carefully
Only use laboratory-supplied sample containers. Keep bottles sealed until immediately before sample collection and close them promptly after filling. Avoid placing bottle caps on potentially contaminated surfaces.
4. Use Clean Sampling Equipment
Whenever possible, use dedicated or laboratory-certified PFAS-clean sampling equipment. If reusable equipment is necessary, follow approved decontamination procedures and document cleaning between sampling locations.
5. Minimize Contact with Sample Media
Avoid touching the inside of sample bottles, caps, or sampling equipment. Keep sample containers closed except during collection.
6. Collect Field Quality Control Samples
Quality control samples help verify data integrity and identify potential contamination sources. Depending on project requirements, QC samples may include:
Equipment blanks
Field blanks
Trip blanks (when applicable)
Field duplicates
Consult your project QAPP and laboratory regarding recommended QC requirements.
7. Preserve and Ship Samples Promptly
Store samples on ice immediately after collection and maintain appropriate temperatures during transport. Complete chain-of-custody documentation and ship samples to the laboratory as soon as possible to meet holding time requirements.
8. Communicate with Your Laboratory Before Sampling
If your project has unique requirements—including low-level detection limits, non-standard matrices, specialized bottle requests, or expedited turnaround times contact Merit Laboratories before beginning field work. Early coordination can help prevent delays and ensure the appropriate sampling materials are available.
Need Sampling Supplies?
Merit Laboratories provides PFAS sampling containers, preservatives, and technical support to help clients prepare for successful sampling events. If you have questions about sample collection procedures, quality control requirements, or analytical methods, our team is always happy to help.
Additional Resources
For complete PFAS sampling guidance, refer to the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) PFAS Sampling Guidance documents and applicable EPA methods. These documents provide detailed recommendations for field procedures, quality assurance, and contamination prevention.
Merit Laboratories maintains full DoD ELAP accreditation and holds both Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) designations. With large-scale testing capacity and national reach, we support PFAS analysis across a wide range of matrices—including drinking water, groundwater, soil, wastewater, biosolids, and sludge.