Most people with PFAS exposure do not experience immediate or obvious symptoms. According to the CDC, PFAS exposure has been studied for possible links to certain health effects, but results can vary based on exposure level, duration, and individual factors.¹ A PFAS exposure test does not evaluate symptoms or determine health conditions. It can show whether specific PFAS are present in blood.

Some studies reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CDC have found associations between certain PFAS and higher rates of specific cancers, such as kidney and testicular cancer.^2,3 These findings are based on population studies and do not mean PFAS cause cancer in every individual. A PFAS blood test does not assess cancer risk or presence. It may, however, support broader discussions about environmental exposure.

Public health agencies such as the CDC have studied PFAS exposure to better understand possible associations with certain health conditions.² Research has focused mainly on higher or long-term exposure levels, often observed in community or occupational settings. It’s important to note that these findings describe associations, not certainty, and effects can vary widely between individuals.
 

Research has found possible links between higher PFAS levels and certain health conditions, including:
 

• Higher cholesterol levels
• Changes in liver enzymes
• Weakened response to some vaccines
• Pregnancy related outcomes, such as lower birth weight
• Thyroid problems
• Possible increased risk of certain cancers (kidney, testicular, breast)

However, many of these conditions are common and can be caused by many other factors. Having higher PFAS levels does not mean these conditions were caused by PFAS.
 

A PFAS exposure blood test does not determine whether someone has or will develop any of these conditions. Instead, it can help identify whether certain PFAS are present in the body and support informed conversations with a healthcare provider about environmental exposure and overall health.

According to the CDC and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people can be exposed to PFAS through a variety of everyday environmental and lifestyle sources.^2,3 One of the most common sources is drinking water, particularly in areas near industrial sites, military bases, or firefighting training locations where PFAS‑containing foams were used. Other potential sources include:
 

• What you eat and drink, including eating a lot of fish, especially freshwater fish from contaminated waters, and drinking contaminated tap water
• Food packaging, especially items packaged in grease resistant wrappers or containers
• Clothing such as stain-resistant fabrics and water-resistant clothing and shoes
• Nonstick cookware and certain stain‑ or water-resistant coatings
• Household products such as stain-resistant carpets, upholstery, and some cleaning products
• Firefighting foams, primarily through occupational or environmental exposure
• Workplace exposure in industries that manufacture or use PFAS

Exposure levels can vary widely depending on where a person lives, works, and their daily habits. A PFAS exposure blood test may help provide insight into whether these compounds are present in the body, but it does not identify the specific source of exposure.

Some public water systems are required to monitor and report PFAS levels. You can check your local Consumer Confidence Report or state environmental health website for available data. Private well owners may consider arranging independent PFAS water testing. Water testing and blood testing provide different types of information and are not interchangeable.

This PFAS exposure blood test measures a comprehensive panel of commonly studied PFAS compounds that are known to persist in the body over time. Rather than testing every PFAS that exists, the panel focuses on well researched substances most often evaluated by public health and environmental agencies when discussing human exposure. These analytes are frequently used in studies of drinking water contamination, food packaging, and industrial or occupational exposure.
 

At a high level, the test includes PFAS from several key groups, such as:
 

• PFOA-type compounds, which were widely used in nonstick cookware and industrial applications
• PFOS-type compounds, historically used in firefighting foams and stain resistant materials
• Long-chain PFAS, known to remain in the body for extended periods
• Related PFAS used in consumer and industrial products, often detected in environmental and blood testing

The test does not identify exposure sources or predict health outcomes, but it can tell you whether you have been exposed to PFAS by measuring the level of certain PFAS chemicals in your blood. 

There are currently no established "safe" or "unsafe" blood levels for PFAS. Most people in the U.S. have detectable levels. Researchers have found that the average total PFAS level in the general population is roughly 5–8 ng/mL, though this varies.⁵ Having a detectable level does not mean you are sick or will become sick.

While you cannot completely avoid PFAS, you can take steps to lower your exposure:
 

• Test your water: Contact your local health department or use a commercial water-testing kit to check for PFAS in your drinking water.
• Filter your water: If PFAS are found, consider installing a whole-home water filtration system designed to remove PFAS. Note that most bottled water comes from municipal tap water and may not be PFAS free.
• Be mindful of products that may contain PFAS: Limit use of nonstick cookware, stain-resistant sprays, and food packaging that may contain PFAS.
• Stay up to date on health screenings: Continue routine health check-ups, including cholesterol and thyroid screening, as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.

Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order.  If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.  

If you have questions or comments regarding the Labcorp Notice of Privacy Practices, or have a complaint about our use or disclosure of your PHI or our privacy practices, please contact: privacyofficer@labcorp.com, call us at (877) 234-4722 (877-23-HIPAA) and ask for the Labcorp HIPAA Privacy Officer, or send a written request to: HIPAA Privacy Officer, Labcorp, 531 South Spring Street, Burlington, NC 27215. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.

To align with clinical best practices, we’ve set an age maximum of 100 for consumer-initiated testing. This limit was set to encourage individuals in more advanced age groups - who may have complex medical needs - to receive personalized guidance about testing from their healthcare providers.