
V. Calibration Overview
A. Why Calibrate
When calibrated, the Trilogy converts the fluorescence signal to concentration units based on the
standard(s) used for the calibration. This saves you from having to perform any calculations.
B. When to Calibrate
-For greatest accuracy, calibrate or check the calibration using a secondary solid
standard before running a new batch of samples.
-Recalibrate if the ambient temperature changes by +/- 10°C.
-Recalibrate after changing Optical Application Modules or if you make measurements
on a new analyte.
-Verify the need to calibrate by reading a stable, known concentration standard
immediately after calibration and again every few hours to see if readings have
changed significantly. Recalibrate when the accuracy becomes unacceptable for your
study.
C. Trilogy Calibration Options, (Fluorescence and Turbidity)
There are two measurement modes available on the Trilogy when using either the Fluorescence
or Turbidity Modules, (see section K for Absorbance Module Calibration Procedure):
Raw Fluorescence Mode – No calibration required
Direct Concentration Mode – Calibration required
1. Raw Fluorescence Mode: The Raw Fluorescence Mode should be used for qualitative
measurement, relative changes in fluorescence rather than absolute concentration values.
Readings are displayed in Relative Fluorescence Units (RFU).
2. Direct Concentration Calibration: Direct Concentrations can be calibrated by using single or
multi-point calibrations. In multi-point calibrations, up to five standards and a blank can be read
generating a calibration curve for increased accuracy. The software uses these points to
calculate direct concentrations. The Trilogy will display the actual concentration of your samples
in units that were chosen during calibration.
D. Trilogy Calibration Procedures
1. Raw Fluorescence Mode: A calibration is not necessary to measure fluorescence with the
Trilogy. Simply use the Raw Fluorescence Mode to obtain the fluorescence value of a sample
in Relative Fluorescence Units (RFU). Use a standard curve to determine the concentration
of the analyte in the samples. The Trilogy does not manipulate data while operating in the
Raw Fluorescence Mode. It is not necessary to zero the Trilogy for use in the Raw
Fluorescence Mode; however a blank sample should be run to determine background
fluorescence. A solid secondary standard may be used to verify instrument stability and
function (see section J).
2. Direct Calibration Mode: The Direct Concentration Mode requires a calibration with one
blank solution and at least one standard solution. The following procedure applies to all the
fluorescence modules with the exception of the Chl Acidification and Non-Acidification
modules. (There are separate procedures for these two exceptions). The procedure requires
the use of at least one calibration standard, (Fluorescein, Rhodamine WT, etc.). Up to 5
standard solutions can be used for a Multi Point Calibration. Calibrations can be given a
name and stored for future use.
Trilogy Fluorometer User’s Manual P/N 998-7210 Page 17 of 38