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.

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.