Disclosed is a fluorescent conjugate comprising a biological reagent, a
fluorescent molecule, and a means for impeding phototoxic degradation of
the biological reagent. The impeding means can be a cross-linking
substance having a long molecular distance, whereby the cross-linking
substance links the fluorescent molecule and the biological reagent; a
quencher of singlet oxygen; a quencher of a free radical; or a combination
thereof. Also disclosed is a solution comprising a fluorescent conjugate
of a biological reagent and a fluorescent molecule together with an oxygen
depleting system.