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by cmbuck 1093 days ago
I've previously been advised by my doctor that PFAS tests are of limited utility due to the lack of process controls which could introduce contamination. Given how novel this area of testing is and the prevalence of PFAS in all types of materials, you can't know whether any detection of PFAS in your blood sample is due to presence in your body or presence in the lab + testing equipment. How does your solution through Quest address this issue?
1 comments

I would say it could be an issue, but is controlled for. The Quest Interface has a special cautionary statement for phlebotomists collecting samples for this test that says; "Note: Sample collection devices coated with PTFE/TeflonĀ® and PVDF should be avoided because of potential specimen contamination."

Edit: grammer

This guidance may help for sample collection, but wouldn't fully address the whole chain of custody. If the test equipment or handling tools/processes in the lab expose the samples to PFAS, then the test is botched. And this is challenging because PFAS are so prevalent and ubiquitous.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a test available for PFAS levels. However I've previously been denied a test from the medical provider due to the issues I've outlined above. So I think it would be helpful to know if/how they have addressed this problem.