PFAS Blood Testing
Nearly all people in the United States have measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood. If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, you can talk with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can help you consider the risks, benefits, and limitations of PFAS blood testing and help you determine the appropriate next steps based on your unique needs.
Community testing
Community-wide blood testing can enable public health officials to investigate and respond to community-wide exposures. Results from these tests can assess the types and blood levels of PFAS in the community.
Individual testing
PFAS test results will tell you how much of some PFAS are in your blood, but it is unclear what the results mean in terms of possible health effects. Testing may help some individuals understand if they are exposed to certain PFAS and help guide exposure reduction. Testing for PFAS may also provide peace of mind. However, all medical tests come with benefits as well as risks. The PFAS blood test will not provide information to pinpoint a health problem and will not predict future health outcomes.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about PFAS blood tests. Share the PFAS Information for Clinicians with them. Your provider can help you understand your potential exposures, risks, and options to reduce further exposures. Together you can decide the next best steps for your unique situation.
ATSDR developed a PFAS Blood Level Estimation Tool for community members with exposure to PFAS through drinking water—in particular, for people who would like more information about how this exposure might affect blood PFAS levels. Estimates from this tool might be helpful when discussing potential PFAS exposures with your healthcare provider.