ASTM E579-04(2015)

1.1 This test method employs the signal-to-noise ratio to determine the sensitivity of a fluorescence measuring system in testing for the limit of detection (LOD) of quinine sulfate dihydrate in solution. The results obtained with quinine sulfate dihydrate in solution are suitable for specifying instrument performance on samples having excitation and fluorescence bands wider than 10 nm at or near room temperature.

1.2 This test method has been applied to fluorescence-measuring systems utilizing non-laser, low-energy excitation sources. There is no assurance that extremely intense illumination will not cause photodecomposition2 of the compound suggested in this test method. For this reason, it is recommended that this test method not be indiscriminately employed with high intensity light sources. This test method is not intended to determine minimum detectable amounts of other materials. If this test method is extended to employ other chemical substances, the user should be aware of the possibility that these other substances may undergo decomposition or adsorption onto containers.

1.3 A typical LOD for conventional fluorometers using this test method is 1 ng of quinine sulfate per mL.

1.4 The suggested shelf life of a 1 mg/mL stock solution of quinine sulfate dihydrate is three months, when stored in the dark in a stoppered glass bottle.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.