Take the Test
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Over the last few decades, studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health risks, including testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, and other conditions. If you believe you may have been exposed, you might wonder: should I get a blood test for PFAS?
A PFAS blood test measures the amount of PFAS chemicals present in your bloodstream. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people in the United States have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood (CDC, 2022). However, the test cannot predict if you will develop health problems. It simply shows the presence and concentration of these chemicals.
Knowing your PFAS levels may be helpful if:
• You lived near a military base, industrial facility, or landfill where PFAS contamination is known.
• You drank water later found to be contaminated with PFAS.
• You have been diagnosed with an illness linked to PFAS exposure.
Still, it's important to understand that a blood test alone is not a diagnostic tool for disease. Instead, it can be part of an overall health assessment conducted by your doctor.
At this time, PFAS blood testing is not routinely available at most hospitals or labs. However, several organizations and companies offer PFAS testing:
• Eurofins Environment Testing – Offers PFAS blood tests through specialized labs nationwide.
• NIEHS Research Studies – The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences sometimes provides PFAS blood testing for participants in exposure studies.
• MyTapScore – A private service that offers PFAS testing for water and may direct you to partner labs for blood testing.
• Your Primary Care Doctor – They can refer you to environmental health specialists who offer PFAS testing.
Before pursuing a blood test, it is best to consult your doctor or an environmental health expert to understand what the results might mean for you.
Whether or not you should pursue PFAS blood testing depends on your situation. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) suggests that blood tests may be useful if you have known, high levels of PFAS exposure (ATSDR, 2021). However, for the general public, PFAS testing is usually not recommended unless there is a specific concern or a history of significant exposure.
Some people find it empowering to know their levels and share the results with their healthcare provider for monitoring potential long-term risks.
Understanding your exposure is important, but remember: a PFAS blood test is not a medical diagnosis. It is just one piece of the larger picture when evaluating your health after potential exposure.
We are not a healthcare provider and do not offer medical testing. However, if you have been diagnosed with cancer or other illnesses linked to PFAS exposure, you may be eligible for legal action against the companies responsible for your exposure.
If you have suffered health problems linked to PFAS contamination, take our free evaluation to see if your case can be reviewed by our legal team. We are here to fight for your rights.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health." 2022. CDC PFAS
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). "Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health." 2021. ATSDR PFAS