For researchers and companies seeking to better understand levels of PFAS or other substances before commissioning a certified analysis, our Salvus™ lab now provides LC-MS/MS lab testing validated to the requirements of EPA Methods 537.1 and 1633. Our primary focus is on testing water or biosolids for PFAS, but we also can accommodate other matrices of concern. We will also begin offering the TOP (total oxidizable precursor) assay to help assess the presence of other, non-target PFAS compounds.
In addition, we offer added flexibility to meet the varied goals of your lab testing. There are no procurement contracts or minimum volumes; just a simple ordering process for researchers, industrial users, and project teams that need data for internal decision-making and pre-certification screening – not regulatory-reportable results. Our standard turnaround is 10 business days with the option to expedite results within 48 hours of receiving your sample.
“We look forward to engaging with others across the industry who are addressing PFAS contamination by giving them additional flexibility with lab analysis,” said Andre Tatar, general manager. “Many labs operate on a volume-based model, either wanting you to commit to a time-bound contract or a minimum volume of tests. And sometimes there can be long turnaround times. We’ve created a streamlined ordering process with no minimums and with the option to expedite results.”
While our lab results are not certified or reportable to government agencies, municipalities, or regulatory bodies, they are validated to the requirements of EPA Methods 537.1 and 1633 so you can use them during your internal decision-making and planning processes. They can help you more precisely pinpoint where to invest in certified testing. The TOP assay will also provide insight into the potential for polyfluorinated compounds to transform into perfluoroalkyl acids to provide a longer-term view of PFAS load.
“There are many variables when assessing a site for possible PFAS contamination, including where to draw samples and which PFAS precursors could become more persistent. Rather than paying for certified results on all your samples, we offer another option to screen samples across your site using validated methodology so you can make a more informed decision about where to commission a certified analysis. When we add the TOP assay, we’ll also be able to help gauge what that potential future PFAS load could look like,” said Scott Witte, PhD, senior scientist.
How it works
Start by completing our testing inquiry form. We’ll follow up to help you choose the correct method for your needs then ship you the sample collection kit and chain-of-custody form. Upon receipt, simply follow the instructions in the kit to collect your sample; fill out the form, including your desired turnaround time; and ship the sample and form back to us.
We’ll analyze your sample using the validated LC-MS/MS methodology and within the timeframe requested, then email you the results report. The report includes compound concentrations, detection limits, and a QA/QC summary. Our validated analysis is useful for internal decision-making and pre-certification screening.
You can also elect to run your sample through our Salvus™ Analyzer and receive a direct comparison of results. This can help you decide if you’d like to deploy our in-field Salvus PFAS Screening Platform. We are currently working with interested parties through a structured feasibility and pilot program to bring rapid PFAS results into the field, as well as providing the platform for full-scale deployment.
What we test
Our LC-MS/MS uses analytical methods validated to the requirements of EPA Methods 537.1 and 1633. Below are some basics about each method, with a focus on PFAS. More details are contained in the overview document you can download below. If you’re dealing with other substances of concern, let us know; we can accommodate a variety of testing needs.
EPA Method 537.1
- PFAS analysis validated to the requirements of EPA Method 537.1
- 18 PFAS analytes
- For drinking water matrices
- Suitable for internal monitoring, research baselines, and pre-screening before certified testing
EPA Method 1633
- PFAS analysis validated to the requirements of EPA Method 1633
- 40 PFAS analytes
- For wastewater, groundwater, soil, biosolids, and tissue matrices
- Suitable for internal site characterization and industrial monitoring
COMING SOON! TOP Assay
- Assess the environmental biotransformation potential of polyfluorinated compounds into perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs)
- For drinking water, surface water, wastewater, groundwater, soil, biosolids, and tissue matrices
- Suitable for internal site characterization and industrial monitoring
Examples of use scenarios
As we developed our lab testing service, we wanted to focus on where we could provide the greatest impact. While we accommodate more than these, our market research repeatedly pointed to the below three scenarios:
Industrial Facilities – We can serve as your internal monitoring department by testing process water, wastewater discharge, and facility groundwater for the presence and levels of certain contaminants, like PFAS, as well as PFAS precursors. The results can help direct your decisions on what and when you might need to report to a regulatory body, as well as inform decisions about certified screening.
Pre-Certification Screening – Before investing in certified lab testing, you can use our lab testing services to receive validated results and better understand your contamination picture. Salvus analytical methods are validated to the requirements of EPA Methods 537.1 and 1633. Then commission certified lab testing only where the data confirms it’s needed.
Researchers & Academics – Perhaps your department doesn’t have the budget for a full analytical lab or a longer-term contract with an accredited analytical lab. We can support your lab testing needs on a project basis. Maybe you need baseline measurements, exposure studies, or method development. Our team can help you with each one.
Looking for rapid, in-field screening options?
Beyond our lab testing services, we are also scaling our Salvus PFAS Screening Platform for commercialization. For those parties ready to integrate the platform into their operations, our Salvus PFAS Screening Platform is available for full-scale deployment. In addition, we offer a structured, three-stage engagement of feasibility study, field pilot and deployment to establish performance before committing to our platform. Designed for on-site environmental screening, our Salvus PFAS Screening Platform detects PFAS compounds with six or more carbon atoms, including regulated species such as PFOS and PFOA.
The platform includes our Salvus Automated Sample Preparation Unit that extracts and concentrates PFAS compounds from the sample. The concentrated sample is then transferred to our Salvus Automated Testing Module, which analyzes the sample and delivers rapid PFAS results. The analyzer’s performance was benchmarked against the EPA 1633 method using samples collected from groundwater, wastewater, AFFF rinsate, and leachate.
We look forward to supporting your lab testing needs. Learn more and order today.
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