This literature study compiles research within the area of nuclide specific measurements of the fallout following nuclear weapon explosions. From the literature survey and by calculations based on estimations of nuclear fallout from the fission of 235U and 239Pu, the most important radionuclides following a nuclear weapon explosion have been identified. The radionuclides and sample matrices deemed the most important from a radiation dose perspective will depend on the type of exposure and the time elapsed after a nuclear explosion. The time perspective in this study ranges from 20 minutes to more than five years after fission. During the first days, mainly short-lived radionuclides will cause a high radiation dose, i.e. 132,133,135I and 97Zr/97Nb. During the first weeks and months, the highest radiation dose will mainly be caused by 131I, 140Ba/140La and 95Zr/95Nb and thereafter by the more long-lived radionuclides 106Ru/106Rh, 144Ce/144Pr, 137Cs and 90Sr. To perform nuclide-specific measurements of a radioactive deposition following a nuclear weapon explosion, the following capabilities are needed: methods for handling interferences from short-lived radionuclides; capacity and ability for measurement of highly radioactive samples; knowledge of chemistry; and measurement methods for hard-to-measure beta-emitting radionuclides.