Lumineszenztests

Lumineszenztests are analytical methods that utilize the phenomenon of luminescence, the emission of light by a substance not resulting from heat. This light emission can be triggered by various external stimuli, making luminescence a versatile tool for detection and quantification. The core principle involves exciting a luminescent molecule, often called a fluorophore or luminophore, with a specific energy source. Upon returning to its ground state, the molecule releases energy in the form of photons, creating a detectable light signal.

The most common types of luminescence used in testing are fluorescence and chemiluminescence. Fluorescence involves the absorption of light at one wavelength and its re-emission at a longer wavelength. Chemiluminescence, on the other hand, generates light through a chemical reaction, often without the need for external excitation light. Phosphorescence is another form, where the emission of light is delayed due to a longer-lived excited state.

Lumineszenztests are widely applied across various fields. In medicine and biology, they are crucial for detecting specific biomolecules like antibodies, antigens, DNA, or proteins. Techniques such as ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) often incorporate luminescent detection for enhanced sensitivity. Environmental monitoring utilizes these tests to identify pollutants or contaminants. Furthermore, in forensic science, luminescent reagents can reveal latent fingerprints or bloodstains. The sensitivity and specificity of lumineszenztests make them invaluable for qualitative and quantitative analysis, often providing rapid and accurate results.