Reducing PFAS interferences during human plasma and serum analysis with accurate mass spectrometry

In this application note, Phenomenex presents experimental data on the reduction of per- and polyfluorinated (PFAS) interferences in human plasma and serum analysis. PFAS are well known anthropogenic contaminants and are detected worldwide in most environmental media, including air, water and soil. Widespread human exposure has resulted in nearly ubiquitous detection of PFAS in human serum. In order to identify the potential health risks PFAS present to humans, accurate and robust analytical methods are required.

In this analysis, a Gemini^™ C18 column coupled with a high resolution, high mass accuracy mass spectrometer was used to mass resolve perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) from serum interferences. The EPA 533 PFAS list was selected as the target analytes. The interferences were characterized using their fragmentation patterns and through comparison with MS/MS libraries. Finally, the serum interferences were chromatographically resolved using a 6.5 min gradient.