Quality Control: Instrumentation

To reduce uncertainty and variability in fluorescence measurements, instruments should be checked regularly.

  1. Light source - age
  2. Consistency of light settings over time (measure light intensity with light meter)
  3. Cuvette tightness and proper sealing to avoid light exposure during dark adapted measurements
  4. If fiber optic cable is exposed (e.g., in portable fluorometers), it should not be too tightly wound, or fibers may break
  5. Record equipment calibration - excitation light might lead to fluorescence signal from PSI (if wavelength > 700nm)

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