Discrete analyzers are chemical analyzers which the samples are kept in distinct cuvettes (wells) while the instrument performs its tests. This is in contrast to flow analyzers which use a pump that provides a continuous flow of reagents throughout testing. Most methods that are manually performed by a technician on the bench or in a flow analyzer can be modified to run on a discrete analyzer. Detection limits are usually on par with manual spectrophotometry.
Most discrete analyzers on the market today fall into two categories: direct read and flow cell. Direct read analyzers produce the final reading through the same cuvette in which the reagents and sample were mixed whereas a flow cell will mix the sample in a cuvette and then draw the final product into a flow cell for reading.