In analytical chemistry, spectral analysis still plays an important role. In many countries, the national standard method retains the method of photometric determination of formaldehyde. 15 laboratories in the United States, Europe and Japan unanimously recommend phenol reagent method to detect formaldehyde content in vaccines. In many practical field analysis, spectrophotometry is still a stable, reliable, simple and economical method. Spectrophotometry or its improved method still plays an important role in formaldehyde monitoring method. Developing a new method with high sensitivity, good selectivity and continuous real-time monitoring on site is the direction of its efforts.

The application of chromatographic technology in formaldehyde monitoring will be strengthened with its own development. For a long time, chromatography is still the most effective means to solve the problem of simultaneous separation and analysis of complex components. In terms of instruments, on-site analytical instruments will undoubtedly dominate. It is the most representative direction in the research and development of formaldehyde monitoring instruments. However, this does not mean that laboratory formaldehyde determination instruments and equipment will quit the historical stage. In a word, it will be an important direction to develop new methods and instruments with high sensitivity and good selectivity to realize on-site analysis or long-term stable real-time online monitoring.