Researchers are concerned, more than ever, about the need to develop analytical methods that present not only the usually required characteristics (such as sensitivity and selectivity) but also easy automation and, especially, environmental friendliness. The use of flow analysis has always proved to be a suitable methodology for handling solutions, hence performing methods related to wet chemical analysis. Different flow methodologies have been used, since the early flow injection analysis to the more recent multi commutated methodologies, each of them presenting special characteristics. In this review, we will focus on the implementation of Solid Phase Spectroscopy (SPS) in flow analysis. This coupling increases the selectivity and sensitivity of the analytical methods in a simple way. In addition, most of the analytical methods use UV-Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence detection techniques. However, these techniques are not suitable for some analytes, hence the potential use of Photo chemically-Induced Fluorescence (PIF). In this review, we will cover the fundamental aspects of the coupling of SPS and flow analysis methods, which is called Flow-Through Opt sensing. We will pay attention to the concepts of each flow methodology, paying special attention to the use of PIF detection. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages as well as the applications that have been carried out to date. Finally, we will provide our opinion about the future trends of this analytical approach.
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