PFAS sampling is different from other types of sampling because PFAS are present in many things we use in our everyday life, such as water-resistant and stain-resistant products. A couple things to consider:

1. Avoid cross contamination by using proper sampling guidelines
   • PFAS sampling is different from other types of sampling because PFAS are present in many things we use in our everyday life, such as water-resistant and stain-resistant products. PFAS can also be present in:
     • Personal care products such as cosmetics and lotions
     • Insect repellants and sunscreens
     • Pizza boxes and fast-food wrappers
     • Recycled paper products such as paper towels and notebook paper
     • Sampling equipment (in the material of the equipment itself or due to PFAS being used in the manufacturing process)
     • Ordinary latex gloves (these may contain PFAS - samplers must use powderless nitrile gloves which are usually provided in the lab kit)
   • PFAS compounds are detected in very small quantities (parts per trillion).  To put this in context, 1 part per trillion is equivalent to a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools combined.  Even the smallest cross-contamination could contribute to a false positive sample.  Therefore, it is important that residents take precaution when collecting a water sample. To ensure accurate results use the Private Residential Well PFAS Sampling Guidance developed by MPART and any additional instructions provided from the lab to collect your water sample.
2. Contact a certified lab to get a test kit
   • Use our list of certified PFAS Labs. These labs are certified to analyze PFAS in drinking water and may have residential well testing kits. 

Guidance for sampling your home drinking water

This document is intended for residents and homeowners to use when collecting their own sample to send to an environmental laboratory. Most laboratories will provide their own sample collection instructions.

This guidance document may be used in conjunction with any sample collection instructions provided by the laboratory. This document does not supersede the laboratory's sampling instructions.

Residential well PFAS Sampling Guidance - For Residents