Sample Preservation
A specialized containment method uses high density plastic containers to maintain the integrity of chemical extracts before they undergo laboratory analysis. Polypropylene sample storage is the mandatory standard for testing perfluorinated substances because glass containers can adsorb these target molecules onto their surfaces. This choice of material prevents the loss of analytes and ensures that the concentration measured by the detector reflects the true state of the textile sample.
Chemical Compatibility
The inert nature of the polymer prevents it from leaching interfering compounds into the organic solvents used during extraction. While glass is often preferred for other organic pollutants, it contains silanol groups that interact with the polar head of PFAS molecules. Using polypropylene sample storage eliminates this risk of sample bias.
Storage Condition
Containers must be tightly sealed and kept in a temperature controlled environment to prevent the evaporation of volatile solvents. For long term archiving of garment extracts, the containers are often stored at four degrees Celsius.
Laboratory Protocol
Laboratories must verify that the specific grade of plastic used does not contain additives like slip agents that could interfere with the mass spectrometry signal. Every batch of containers is typically screened for background contamination before being used for critical compliance testing. The durability of the plastic makes it suitable for transporting extracts between different facility locations.
