PFAS testing cost comparison showing total fluorine screening and targeted PFAS analysis pricing
March 28, 2026

PFAS testing cost varies depending on the type of analysis required, the number of compounds evaluated, and the level of detail needed for compliance or risk assessment.

If you are evaluating PFAS testing for your product, understanding the cost structure can help you choose the most efficient and defensible approach.


PFAS Testing Cost by Method

Total Fluorine (TF) Cost

$300 per sample

Total Fluorine testing is a screening method used to detect the presence of fluorine in a sample. It is commonly required by retailers and used as a first-pass assessment.

Best for
Initial screening
Retailer compliance programs
Cost-effective evaluation


Total Organic Fluorine (TOF) Cost

$300 per sample

TOF testing focuses on organic fluorinated compounds, helping differentiate potential PFAS from inorganic fluorine sources.

Best for
Follow-up screening
Additional confirmation beyond TF


Targeted PFAS Testing Cost (545 Compounds)

$750 per sample

Targeted PFAS analysis identifies specific PFAS compounds using advanced instrumentation such as LC-MS/MS and GC-MS.

Best for
Regulatory compliance
Legal or litigation support
Detailed product evaluation


How to Choose the Right PFAS Test

Choosing the right test depends on your product, risk level, and requirements.

Situation and recommended approach

Quick, cost-effective screening
Start with Total Fluorine

Need more clarity on organic fluorine
Use Total Organic Fluorine

Need definitive results
Use Targeted PFAS testing

Subject to retailer or regulatory requirements
Go straight to Targeted PFAS testing


Retailer PFAS Testing Requirements

Many retailers now require Total Fluorine screening as part of their compliance programs.

This means
Total Fluorine testing is often the minimum requirement
Positive results may trigger targeted PFAS testing

Planning for a tiered testing approach can help manage cost while staying compliant.


Recommended PFAS Testing Strategy

Most clients follow a cost-efficient approach.

Start with Total Fluorine
If fluorine is detected, proceed to targeted PFAS testing
Use results for compliance, supplier validation, or risk management

This approach minimizes unnecessary cost while maintaining defensibility.


What Impacts PFAS Testing Cost

PFAS testing cost can vary based on several factors.

Sample type such as liquid, solid, or packaging
Matrix complexity
Number of compounds analyzed
Regulatory reporting requirements
Turnaround time


Sample Requirements

Typical sample sizes are as follows.

Liquids approximately 50 to 100 mL
Solids approximately 20 to 50 g
Packaging full component or representative section


Bottom Line

300 dollars for Total Fluorine or Total Organic Fluorine provides screening
750 dollars for targeted PFAS provides detailed and defensible analysis

Choosing the right approach depends on compliance requirements, retailer expectations, and risk tolerance.


Get a Quote

At Pentyl Labs, we support Total Fluorine screening, Total Organic Fluorine analysis, and targeted PFAS testing with 545 compounds.

Contact [email protected] to get started.

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