Welcome to the Sampling and Analysis of PFAS in Field Blanks Workshop

Guidance published by the US EPA, the Department of Defense, and several states indicate many precautions should be taken when collecting samples and field blanks for the analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are an essential component of the analytical workflow. Now that thousands of field blanks have been analyzed, is there any data to support this costly endeavor? TNI is holding this virtual workshop to explore best practices for sampling drinking water and wastewater for PFAS and the analysis of the associated field blanks.

This Workshop will address topics such as:

  • How prevalent are PFAS in field blanks?
  • How do laboratories analyze their work flows to process field blanks in the most expeditious manner?
  • Is there any evidence that all of the precautions such as clothing, makeup, sunscreen, and food are required to minimize false positive results?
  • Is there any evidence that shows such precautions are not required?

The Workshop is being sponsored by TNI's National Environmental Field Activities Program (NEFAP). The purpose of the NEFAP is to establish and implement an accreditation program for field sampling and measurement organizations (FSMOs).

  • The Standard for FSMOs (Volume 1) is the FSMO Competency Standard, comparable to TNI's standard for fixed laboratories and is modeled after ISO/IEC 17025 "General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories."
  • TNI Standard Volume II is the FSMO Accreditation Body (AB) Requirements to Accredit FSMOs. The AB Standard is based on ISO/IEC 17011 "Conformity Assessment - General Requirements for Accreditation Bodies Accrediting Conformity Assessment Bodies."

The Benefits of Attending

All attendees have the valuable opportunity to learn new approaches and technologies for environmental sampling and analysis for PFAS. You will be able to:

  • Learn how prevalent are PFAS in field blanks.
  • Learn if any evidence shows that all of the precautions such as clothing, makeup, sunscreen, and food to minimize false positive results are not required.
  • Learn how do laboratories analyze their workflows to process field blanks in the most expeditious manner.