About the TOP Assay
The Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) assay is an analytical method that converts PFAS precursor compounds into perfluoroalkyl acids through oxidation, revealing the "hidden" PFAS burden in environmental samples.
Why TOP Matters
Traditional targeted analysis only detects known PFAS compounds. The TOP assay captures precursors that would otherwise be missed, providing a more complete picture of total PFAS contamination.
Topics Covered
- Principles of the TOP assay method
- Sample preparation and oxidation procedures
- Interpretation of TOP assay results
- Comparison with targeted analysis
- Applications in contaminated site assessment
- Method standardization efforts
Key Takeaways
The webinar demonstrated how the TOP assay can reveal significantly higher PFAS burdens than targeted analysis alone, particularly at sites with complex contamination involving precursor compounds.