Quantitative confocal microscopy: beyond a pretty picture.

Quantitative optical microscopy has become the norm, with the confocal laser-scanning microscope being the workhorse of many imaging laboratories. Generating quantitative data requires a greater emphasis on the accurate operation of the microscope itself, along with proper experimental design and adequate controls. The microscope, which is more accurately an imaging system, cannot be treated as a "black box" with the collected data viewed as infallible. There needs to be regularly scheduled performance testing that will ensure that quality data are being generated. This regular testing also allows for the tracking of metrics that can point to issues before they result in instrument malfunction and downtime. In turn, images must be collected in a manner that is quantitative with maximal signal to noise (which can be difficult depending on the application) without data clipping. Images must then be processed to correct for background intensities, fluorophore cross talk, and uneven field illumination. With advanced techniques such as spectral imaging, Förster resonance energy transfer, and fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy, experimental design needs to be carefully planned out and include all appropriate controls. Quantitative confocal imaging in all of these contexts and more will be explored within the chapter.