How to interpret your test
Your PFAS test report will give you details of the specific PFAS compounds identified in the sample you sent to our lab. Here, we explain how to make sense of your report.
The first part of the report lists the PFAS compounds detected along with the level found in your sample, This is measured in ng/mL.
These compounds were either absent, or at such low concentration we couldn't detect them in your sample.
Our test is validated for a range of concentrations. Results outside this range are marked Below Reportable Range or Above Reportable Range. We regularly review and update the reportable ranges.
Every report includes an interpretation guide. This is designed to help you understand what your results mean and how you can reduce PFAS.
The science of how PFAS affects the human body is still being developed. At present, only a medical professional can tell you whether your result is concerning or not. However, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) publish guidelines for physicians based on blood serum testing. They recommend that a total level of PFAS below 2ng/mL is safe. Between 2-20 ng/mL they recommend certain tests, especially for pregnant women. Above 20 ng/mL Is seen as concerning and they recommend a number of tests.
At-home testing for PFAS in whole blood is a relatively new approach, but is scientifically proven to be valuable based on multiple research studies. Before this approach, most tests were performed on blood serum obtained from a blood-draw by a nurse or phlebotomist. This means that much of the published literature focuses on results from blood serum.
Research has shown that there is a direct link between whole blood and serum PFAS levels. The precise ratio varies from compound to compound, with a conversion factor ranging from 0.2 to 2.7 and a median of 2.0. A good way to approximate the serum level is by doubling your blood level as reported by the PFAS Core Panel.
As an example, if your result for PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) is 0.75ng/mL, the estimated equivalent serum level would be 1.5ng/mL.
Our test is extremely sensitive. However, as with all tests, we have to be careful not to provide people with a so-called "false positive" result. This means that when we detect only a tiny amount of a substance we have to determine whether it was a real detection or not. For most of our tests, this level is 0.1 ng/mL. If a result is shown as "not detected" this means we either really detected nothing, or the level was below that threshold.
When there is a really high level of a compound in your blood it may be higher than the range we have currently validated for accuracy. In this case, we will first try diluting the sample down and testing again. When the level is still too high, we will report it as "Above Reportable Range". We regularly review test results, and if we see this happening too frequently, we will extend the reportable range for our test.
In addition to the Relentless Health blog, an organization called PFAS Exchange provides a good starting point to better understand all aspects of PFAS. The Environmental Working Group also has an extensive list of resources regarding PFAS.
Evidence links long-term PFAS exposure with significant adverse health outcomes. These include several forms of cancer as well as reproductive health issues and organ damage among others. As a result, it is important to understand which PFAS substances are present in your body and in what quantities.
The Relentless Health PFAS Core Panel includes analysis of your blood for 18 different PFAS chemicals. Eight of the PFAS compounds are the same ones tracked by The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES):
The test also includes 10 other PFAS compounds that are commonly used in various consumer products and industrial processes, as well as found in some drinking water and the environment.
Relentless Health's toxin tests are available to be purchased and used by anyone in the United States, except for residents of the state of New York. This is due to New York's state regulations for lab testing. We hope to make our tests available in NY soon.
