Cuvettes hold liquid samples in a spectrophotometer while light passes through them. Choosing the right cuvette material, path length and volume makes a big difference to accuracy, especially in the UV range. This guide explains how to choose spectrophotometer cuvettes in Australia, including quartz cuvettes with lids and flow cells.
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Cuvette Materials
Quartz (Fused Silica)
Quartz cuvettes transmit light across the UV and visible range, so they are the standard choice for UV measurements such as DNA and protein absorbance at 260 nm and 280 nm. They are reusable and resist most solvents and acids. See our JGS1 quartz cuvette with lid.
Optical Glass
Glass cuvettes work well in the visible range but block much of the UV range. They are a lower-cost reusable option for colourimetric assays.
Plastic (PS and PMMA)
Disposable plastic cuvettes are convenient for routine visible-range work and avoid cleaning. They are not suitable for most UV work or for many organic solvents.
Path Length and Volume
The standard path length is 10 mm, which most methods assume. Shorter path lengths are used for strongly absorbing samples; semi-micro and micro cuvettes need less sample volume. Make sure the light beam in your instrument passes through the sample, especially with micro-volume cells.
Why Use a Cuvette with a Lid?
A lid or stopper reduces evaporation and contamination, keeps volatile solvents in, and stops spills when mixing. Lidded quartz cuvettes are popular for kinetic measurements and longer runs.
Flow Cells
Flow cuvettes let the sample pump through the cell, which suits automated analysers and continuous measurement. We stock a quartz flow cuvette (60–600 µL) and a BA88A flow cuvette.
Spectrophotometers
For a complete UV-Vis setup, see the Hach DR6000 UV-Vis spectrophotometer, widely used for water analysis.
Cleaning and Care
- Rinse cuvettes immediately after use with a suitable solvent, then distilled water.
- Hold cuvettes by the frosted sides to keep the optical windows clean.
- Avoid scratching the windows; never use abrasive cleaners.
- Store quartz cuvettes in a case to prevent chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need quartz cuvettes?
Use quartz for measurements below about 340 nm (UV). For visible-range work, glass or plastic is usually fine.
What is a standard cuvette size?
Most spectrophotometers take 12.5 × 12.5 mm cuvettes with a 10 mm path length.
Do you deliver laboratory supplies across Australia?
Yes. We deliver Australia-wide. All prices include GST.
Browse our cuvettes and spectrophotometers or contact us for help choosing a cell.