PFAS Blood Testing: Who needs it and what you need to know

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial applications and consumer products since the 1940s. These substances are highly resistant to heat, water, and oil, making them useful in a wide variety of products like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foams, and food packaging.

However, their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects have raised concerns, leading to increased interest in testing for PFAS exposure, particularly through blood tests. This article covers what you need to know about PFAS blood testing.

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment or the human body. As a result, they can accumulate over time, leading to long-term exposure even after the source of contamination has been removed. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including:

• Increased cholesterol levels
• Changes in liver enzymes
• Increased risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia in pregnant women
• Reduced immune response, particularly in children
• Increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer

Given these potential risks, it’s understandable why individuals might be interested in testing for PFAS in their blood.

PFAS blood testing is primarily done to determine the levels of these chemicals in your body, which can provide insights into your exposure and potential health risks. However, it’s important to note that while a blood test can show how much PFAS is present in your blood, it cannot directly tell you if you will develop health problems from the exposure.

Blood tests for PFAS are most commonly recommended for:

• Individuals living in areas with known PFAS contamination, such as near industrial sites, firefighting training areas, or certain military bases.
• People who work in industries that manufacture or use PFAS, as they may have higher occupational exposure.
• Individuals who have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water or food and are concerned about their long-term health.

Testing for PFAS in blood is a specialized process that involves several steps:

1. Consultation with a Healthcare Provider.  Before testing, it’s essential to discuss your concerns with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about PFAS. They can help you understand the reasons for testing, what the results might mean, and how they could impact your health management.
2. Blood Sample Collection.  If a blood test is deemed appropriate, your healthcare provider will arrange for a blood sample to be collected. This is typically done by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory that specializes in PFAS testing.
3. Laboratory Analysis.  The blood sample is analyzed using advanced techniques, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which can detect and measure the concentration of various PFAS in the blood. This analysis can identify multiple types of PFAS, including the most common ones like PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate).
4. Interpreting the Results.  Once the analysis is complete, the laboratory will provide a report detailing the levels of PFAS detected in your blood. These results are usually presented in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Your healthcare provider will review these results with you, helping you understand what they mean in the context of your exposure history and potential health risks.

Interpreting PFAS blood test results can be complex, as there is no standardized “safe” level of PFAS in the blood. However, here are some key points to consider:

• Comparison to Population Averages: PFAS levels in your blood can be compared to national or regional averages, such as those provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). If your levels are significantly higher than these averages, it may indicate elevated exposure.
• Consideration of Health Effects: High levels of certain PFAS in the blood have been associated with specific health effects in some studies. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the potential implications of your test results based on the latest research.
• Guidance on Reducing Exposure: If your PFAS levels are high, you can take active measures to reduce further exposure, such as avoiding contaminated water sources, using alternative consumer products, and making dietary changes.

While PFAS blood testing can provide valuable information about your exposure, there are some limitations to be aware of:

• Inability to Predict Health Outcomes: A blood test cannot predict whether you will develop health problems from PFAS exposure. The presence of PFAS in the blood is just one piece of the puzzle, and other factors like genetics, overall health, and lifestyle also play a role.
• Limited Availability: Not all laboratories are equipped to perform PFAS testing, and it may not be widely available in all areas. Additionally, the cost of testing can be high, and it may not be covered by insurance. If you are in a high risk group, you may qualify for free PFAS blood testing.  You can see if you qualify HERE.
• Uncertain Long-Term Significance: The long-term health implications of PFAS exposure are still being studied, and there is ongoing debate about what levels of PFAS in the blood should be considered harmful.

In some cases, other methods of assessing PFAS exposure might be considered:

• Environmental Testing: Testing water, soil, or air in your home or community can help identify potential sources of PFAS exposure.
• Urine Testing: Although less commonly used, urine testing can sometimes be performed to assess PFAS exposure, particularly for certain PFAS compounds that are more readily excreted in urine.
• Health Monitoring: Instead of testing for PFAS directly, some individuals opt for regular health check-ups and monitoring for potential health issues related to PFAS exposure, such as liver function tests or cholesterol checks.

Testing for PFAS in blood can be a useful tool for understanding your exposure to these persistent chemicals. However, it’s important to approach the process with a clear understanding of its limitations and what the results can and cannot tell you.

If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, consulting with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is the first step in determining whether blood testing is appropriate for you and how to interpret the results in the context of your overall health.