Jordan Partington

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found as environmental pollutants across the globe. Consequently PFAS exposure is a daily occurrence, hence the ability to monitor for the presence of PFAS in blood is imperative. However, current methods for the analysis of PFAS in blood are costly and often inaccessible to the general public. Therefore, a methodology for the analysis of blood PFAS employing Microsampling and highperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) has been developed.

The implementation of Microsampling that consists of a dried blood spot (DBS) matrix possesses two major advantages over traditional blood sampling. Firstly, self-sampling via Microsampler technology removes the requirement for trained medical staff, allowing for cost effective, accessible testing. Secondly, DBSs can be stored within the sampler and sent via registered post, enabling blood PFAS analysis of individuals in remote locations. 62 PFAS are extracted efficiently (50-150% internal standard corrected recovery) at concentrations representative of those found in occupationally and regionally exposed individuals. Additionally, efficient extraction of 55 PFAS at subng/ mL concentrations from DBSs was achieved. With this advancement in blood PFAS analysis, our understanding of general exposure to PFAS can be better understood and critical data gathered, helping to shape future guidelines around these legacy and emerging contaminants.