PFAS in the Lab: How to Protect Analytical Integrity and Build Sustainable Workflows

Lasec^® Lab Sustainability Initiative

PFAS in the Lab: Managing Contamination Risk Across Your Workflow

28 May 2026 · 8 min read · Lab Sustainability

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are under growing regulatory scrutiny. For laboratories, PFAS contamination in consumables can compromise trace-level analysis and create compliance exposure.

Analytical Integrity Environmental Compliance Sustainable Procurement

As awareness grows among regulators, researchers, and procurement teams, laboratories are increasingly evaluating whether PFAS-containing materials are appropriate for their applications, particularly in sensitive analytical work.

What are PFAS?

PFAS are a large group of synthetic compounds characterised by strong carbon-fluorine bonds that resist breakdown in the environment. Because they persist in soil, water, and living tissue, they are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals."

As awareness around PFAS continues to grow, laboratories are increasingly reviewing the materials and consumables used in their workflows. In sensitive applications, PFAS contamination may impact both environmental sustainability and analytical integrity.

Why it matters for your lab

Analytical integrity

PFAS from consumables can introduce background contamination that affects accuracy in trace-level analysis.

Environmental responsibility

Lab waste containing PFAS contributes to long-term environmental contamination. Reducing use in consumables lowers your lab's footprint.

Procurement and compliance

Material transparency is an increasing expectation. Procurement teams are under pressure to document substance composition in laboratory consumables.

Where PFAS risk occurs in laboratory workflows

Sample collection and storage

Containers and liners manufactured with fluoropolymer coatings.

Filtration and sample preparation

Membrane filters and frits containing PTFE or PVDF.

Solvent handling and containment

Caps, tubing, and fittings with fluoropolymer components.

General consumables

Pipette tips and transfer vessels used during analysis.

Practical steps laboratories can take

Choose PFAS-free consumables where alternatives are available and validated for your application.

Review filtration and sample preparation materials for fluoropolymer-based components such as PTFE and PVDF.

Minimise open solvent handling by switching to closed-system caps and dispensing equipment.

Engage your suppliers on material composition and request documentation where relevant.

Align procurement decisions with your laboratory's sustainability objectives and reporting requirements.

Supporting solutions from Lasec^®

Lasec^® offers two product ranges suited to laboratories addressing PFAS risk in consumables and solvent handling.

PFAS-free consumables Labcon

Labcon manufactures laboratory consumables without intentionally added PFAS materials, designed for labs that require greater confidence in the composition of materials contacting their samples.

Products include

PFAS-free pipette tips
PFAS-free sample containers
No intentionally added PFAS materials

Relevant for

Environmental testing laboratories
Trace-level analysis workflows
Sustainable procurement
Improved material transparency

View Labcon Products

Solvent handling SCAT

The Green Line PFAS-Analytic Safety Caps range replaces conventional fluoropolymer components (PTFE/PFA) with polypropylene (PP), reducing the risk of PFAS interference at the solvent handling stage while improving overall laboratory safety.

PFAS-specific benefits

PP replaces PTFE/PFA components
Closed solvent handling system
Reduced solvent vapour exposure

Additional benefits

Cleaner HPLC bench organisation
Eluent contamination protection
Improved laboratory safety

View SCAT Products

Lasec^® Lab Sustainability Initiative

Ready to review your workflow?

If you would like support identifying PFAS risk in your current laboratory workflow, or want to explore PFAS-free alternatives for consumables and solvent handling, our team is available to assist.

Contact Lasec^® Our Lab Sustainability Initiative

May 28, 2026 | View: 86 | Categories: Sustainability