AbstractSolvents, the extraction time and extraction method, influence the quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil. This paper emphasizes the importance of establishing, and being consistent in the application of, a vigorous extraction, particularly for commercial laboratories that handle samples of soil in batches, at different times, from a single site investigation or remediation process. It is important that laboratories are aware of the performance of their soil contaminant extraction procedures. Equally important is that analytical laboratories communicate to you, the practitioner and user of the data, what variables there are in soil contaminant extractions, whether it be PAH, fuel, or recalcitrant organics, and how these can impact on the final data quality.