Spectrophotometry

Spectrophotometry measures how samples interact with light, be it visible, infrared, or ultraviolet. A spectrophotometer measures the wavelengths of light that materials absorb, transmit, and reflect, finding use in characterizing physical properties, composition, and color characteristics.

Spectrophotometry
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Some of our spectrophotometry services

Light blocking effect of textiles (AATCC 203)

AATCC TM203
This test measures the light-blocking properties of textiles (typically curtains or drapes) against light passing through them. Testing is performed according to standard AATCC 203. Testing is conducted with spectrophotometric measuring equipment that produces precise and reproducible results. The results are presented in percentages (%).
220 €
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Opacity of paper or board

ISO 2471
The ISO 2471 standard is followed to determine the opacity (paper backing) of paper by diffuse reflectance. The test is suitable for papers and boards that contain fluorescent whitening agents, as long as the UV content of the radiation incident on the test piece has been adjusted using a fluorescent reference standard as described in ISO 2470‑1. The method is not suitable for colored paper or cardboard that contains fluorescent dyes or pigments.
64 €
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Nitrate and nitrite in food

Determination of nitrate and nitrite content of food with a spectrophotometric method. Nitrates and nitrites can be present in food either naturally or as added ingredients. Commission Regulation (EU) No 2023/915 sets maximum levels for nitrates in many edible plants, such as spinach, arugula, and iceberg lettuce. Furthermore, Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 sets maximum levels for nitrates and nitrites that have been added to various food products where use is authorized.
100 €
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P-Anisidine value of fats and oils

ISO 6885
The p-Anisidine value is used to determine the amount of aldehydes, principally α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, in fats and oils. It is a good, widely used approximation for the level of secondary oxidation. This p-Anisidine analysis is suitable for animal and vegetable fats and oils, fatty acids, and their mixtures. The method is not suitable for milk fats and lecithin. The risk of oxidation increases with exposure to elevated temperatures and light, making p-Anisidine determination relevant for fats and oils that have been exposed to these risk factors during manufacturing, processing, storage, or use.
55 €
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P-Anisidine value of food and feed

ISO 6885
The p-Anisidine value is a widely used approximation for the level of secondary oxidation of food and feed. It indicates the amount of aldehydes, principally α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, in fats and oils that have been extracted from a food or feed sample. This p-Anisidine analysis is suitable for all food and feed products that contain fat.
80 €
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Starch content in food

Determination of starch in food with a spectrophotometric method.
80 €
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Wood for food contact - compliance testing package

CEN/TR 14823, DIN 10955, EN 1541
As there is no harmonized EU regulation for using wood in food contact applications, compliance should be assessed based on other resources, such as the national legislation of member states. This test package is based on the requirements of French Information note n°2012-93 (Note d'information n° 2012-93) for coated and non-coated wood intended for food contact. The following analyses are included in the displayed price: Test parameter Test method/standard Method of extraction or preparation Transfer of odor and flavor into food DIN 10955 Water extract or contact with model food Heavy metals in water extract (Pb, Cd, Hg) ICP-MS Cold or hot water extract (EN 645 / EN 647) Formaldehyde in water extract EN 1541 Cold or hot water extract (EN 645 / EN 647) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCB118, PCB153, PCB180) GC-MS In-house method Pentachlorophenol (PCP) content GC-MS CEN/TR 14823 In addition to the tests listed above, a pesticide screening should be performed for wood treated with antifungal substances (so-called "anti-blue" protection). The analysis covers 715 substances and is available for an additional cost of 298 EUR. In most cases, this test package is sufficient to establish food contact compliance of non-coated wood or articles thereof. If the wood has been coated with a lacquer or varnish, has been painted, or contains adhesives, complementary testing could be required (e.g., migration of primary aromatic amines, migration of mineral oil (MOSH/POSH and MOAH hydrocarbons). Our experts are happy to support you by reviewing the documentation of the coating material and/or the adhesive to determine the full scope of required testing.
998 €
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Yellowness of paper or board

DIN 6167
The influence of factors such as temperature, chemical reactions, and radiation can turn white or colorless materials such as art equipment, paper, and paints yellow. The yellowness number indicates the change in the yellow value of a sample due to one or more of the abovementioned reasons. This method is used to describe the yellowness of near-white or near-colorless materials. The yellowness value of a sample is calculated based on the standard color values X, Y, and Z. A color-measuring device is used to measure these standard values.
64 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

  • Fast turnaround times
  • Personal service from method experts
  • Competitive prices
  • Result accuracy guarantee

What is spectrophotometry used for?

Spectrophotometry presents a quantitative way of determining the concentration of molecules in a solution, where light absorbance is directly linked to the composition of the substance. It can also be used to monitor the progression of enzymatic reactions based on changes in absorbance. Such enzymatic tests are common in food analysis, where spectrophotometry is used to determine the concentrations of lactose and phytic acid.

Spectrophotometry can also be used for quality control purposes to ensure that the visible color of a product stays within an appropriate range even after time passes or the product is exposed to external influences. This is useful in determining the yellowness and lightfastness of paper and board.

How does a spectrophotometer work?

Inside the spectrophotometer, a light source and a monochromator produce a light beam with a controlled wavelength. This light beam is passed through the sample, which is usually a solution contained inside a transparent cuvette. The sample will absorb specific wavelengths of light, depending on its chemical and physical properties, and transmit or reflect the rest of the spectrum. The remaining light is picked up by a photodetector and recorded. 

Data collected with the spectrophotometer can then be used to produce a plot showing which wavelengths were absorbed and by how much, which provides information on the concentrations of chemicals present, as well as quantitative data on the colors they appear. Information on some chemical aspects, such as levels of conjugation and conformation, can also be obtained.

UV-Vis spectrophotometry

The most common form of spectrophotometry is specific to the ultraviolet and visible sections of the electromagnetic spectrum and is commonly known as UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Colored samples inherently absorb sections of visible and UV light, which makes this analysis applicable to a wide range of chemical species. Some white sample types also absorb light in the UV region, especially conjugated organic compounds.

Suitable samples and sample preparation

Spectrophotometry has traditionally focused on testing solutions, which have to be placed in suitable cuvettes for analysis. The type of cuvette depends on the wavelength of light used (i.e. quartz for ultraviolet, glass for visible). Solid samples can also be tested using special spectrophotometers, such as a color spectrophotometer. In such cases, the sample should usually have a relatively flat surface for light to reflect off of.

Advantages and limitations

Spectrophotometry is a straightforward technique that provides consistently accurate results on a wide variety of sample types. Once samples are prepared, they can be tested relatively quickly, and the analysis is generally non-destructive.

Limitations of spectrophotometry include a relatively low sensitivity and selectivity. It may thus be difficult to detect very low concentrations of an analyte or distinguish the analyte from other substances that absorb light on the same wavelength.

Spectrometry vs spectrophotometry

Spectrometry is a commonly used term that describes a variety of different analytical techniques. Specifically, it refers to any method of analysis that collects a spectrum of data. This means that while it can be used to describe spectrophotometry, it is also used to describe unrelated techniques like high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry.

Spectrophotometry, on the other hand, specifically refers to techniques where a sample is exposed to varying wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, most commonly in the visible and adjacent parts of the spectrum.

Need an analysis?

Measurlabs offers high-quality laboratory testing services with spectrophotometry and dozens of other analysis techniques. We have committed to delivering the highest quality analyses with short turnaround times even for batches of hundreds of samples, and to offering exceptional customer experience and support from our testing experts. Contact us through the form below to get a quote and start the discussion.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Organic and inorganic solutions
  • Water samples
  • Paints and coatings
  • Paper and board
  • Food
  • Pharmaceuticals

Ideal uses of spectrofotometry

  • Measuring concentrations in food and pharmaceutical research
  • Characterizing color characteristics
  • Assessing lightfastness and yellowness of paper or board
  • Water quality testing

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Frequently asked questions

What is spectrophotometry commonly used for?

Spectrophotometry is commonly used in food science to determine the concentrations of lactose, phytic acid, and other components. In pharmaceuticals, the method can be used to measure the concentrations of active ingredients.

Color spectrophotometers are used to assess the color characteristics of materials like paper and board, for example in terms of how well they retain their color when exposed to light.

What are the limitations of spectrophotometry?

The preparation for a spectrophotometric determination of unknown concentrations can take a while, as a calibration curve with a series of standard solutions with known concentrations needs to be prepared. In addition, contaminants can affect the results if they absorb or reflect light on the same wavelength as the analyte.

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.