The validation and standardization of fluorescence methods is still in its infancy as compared to other prominent analytical and bioanalytical methods. Appropriate quality assurance standards are however a prerequisite for applications in highly regulated fields such as medical diagnostics, drug development, or food analysis.

For the first time, a team of recognized international experts has documented the present status of quality assurance in fluorescence measurements, and outlines concepts for establishing standards in this field.

This first of two volumes covers basic aspects and various techniques such as steady-state and time-resolved fluorometry, polarization techniques, and fluorescent chemical sensors.

Résumé
With contributions by numerous experts

Contenu
Need for Standardization of Fluorescence-Based Measurements.- Quantitative Fluorescence Calibration: a Tool for Assessing the Quality of Data Obtained by Fluorescence Measurements.- Need for and Metrological Approaches Towards Standardization of Fluorescence Measurements from the View of National Metrology Institutes.- Steady State Fluorometry.- Linking Fluorometry to Radiometry with Physical and Chemical Transfer Standards: Instrument Characterization and Traceable Fluorescence Measurements.- Fluorescence Quantum Yields: Methods of Determination and Standards.- Long-Wavelength and Near-Infrared Fluorescence: State of the Art, Future Applications, and Standards.- Surface Fluorescence: the Only Standardized Method of Measuring Luminescence.- Time Resolved Fluorometry.- Time-Resolved Fluorometry: Typical Methods, Challenges, Applications and Standards.- Practical Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy: Avoiding Artifacts and Using Lifetime Standards.- Evaluation of Time-Resolved Fluorescence Data: Typical Methods and Problems.- Time-Resolved Fluorescence: Novel Technical Solutions.- Fluorescence Polarization Techniques: Applications in the Material and the Life Sciences.- Fluorescence Depolarization Techniques in Materials Science.- Fluorescence Polarization: Recent Bioanalytical Applications, Pitfalls, and Future Trends.- Fluorescent Chemical Sensors: Principles, Problems, and Need for Quality Assurance.- Classification of Chemical Sensors and Biosensors Based on Fluorescence and Phosphorescence.- Fibre-Optic and Nanoparticle-Based Fluorescence Sensing Using Indicator Dyes: Pitfalls, Self- Referencing, Application, and Future Trends.- Intrinsically Referenced Fluorimetric Sensing and Detection Schemes: Methods, Advantages and Applications.- Total Internal ReflectionFluorescence Sensing Quality Assurance and Application to Water Analysis.- Fluorescence Sensing and Imaging Using Pressure-Sensitive Paints and Temperature-Sensitive Paints.- Fluorescence Analysis of Actinides.- Luminescence Analysis of Actinides: Instrumentation, Applications, Quantification, Future Trends, and Quality Assurance.