Discrete Analyzer

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.