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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Heavy Metals

PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)

As part of comprehensive health screening, a PFOS blood test helps you understand your exposure to persistent forever chemicals. Knowing your PFOS levels provides important insight into your environmental exposure and long-term health.

What It Measures

This test measures the concentration of PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) in your blood. PFOS is part of the PFAS family and was historically used in stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, firefighting foams, and various industrial applications.

Why It Matters

PFOS is one of the most widely studied PFAS chemicals. It persists in the body for years, and elevated levels may be associated with changes in cholesterol, immune function, thyroid hormones, and liver enzymes. Monitoring your levels helps you understand your cumulative exposure.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended if you live near areas with known PFAS contamination, work with PFAS-containing products, or drink water from potentially contaminated sources. Consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Low levels of PFOS are generally not a cause for concern and may indicate minimal exposure to PFAS chemicals.

High Levels

Cholesterol changes, immune system effects, thyroid hormone disruption, and elevated liver enzymes may be observed.

Lifestyle Tips

Use PFAS-free cookware and avoid stain-resistant treatments on furniture and clothing. Install a water filtration system certified to remove PFAS. Check local water quality reports for PFAS contamination information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PFOS and PFOA?
PFOS and PFOA are both members of the PFAS family of forever chemicals. While they have similar persistence and health concerns, PFOS was more commonly used in stain-resistant products and firefighting foams, whereas PFOA was prevalent in non-stick coatings.
Is PFOS still being produced?
Major manufacturers phased out PFOS production in the early 2000s due to health and environmental concerns. However, legacy contamination remains widespread, and PFOS persists in the environment and in people who were previously exposed.
How can I reduce my PFOS exposure?
Using PFAS-free products, filtering drinking water with certified systems, and avoiding food packaging that may contain PFAS can help reduce ongoing exposure. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.