Accuracy & Precision – Part 10 – Pyrex Reaction Cuvettes in clinical chemistry analyzer
16-05-2026 By Beacon Group

In last blog, we have discussed about the combine effect of advance optical system to achieve accurate & precise results in clinical chemistry analyzer. Today we will discuss about the role of cuvettes for accurate & precise results.

Most of the medium and high throughput clinical chemistry analyzers are equipped with on-board laundry and reusable reaction cuvettes. Basically two different types of reusable reaction cuvettes are used in clinical chemistry analyzer, either “Quartz Cuvettes” or “Pyrex Cuvettes”.

Major difference between both these cuvettes are as follows.

• Quartz is pure silica, while Pyrex is borosilicate glass.
• Quartz can withstand extremely high temperature (up to 1100 OC), while Pyrex can withstand high temperature (up to 450 OC).
• Quartz provides good precision for wavelengths between 190~780 nm, while Pyrex provides good precision for wavelengths between 340~780 nm.
• Stiffness/area is high in Quartz (71) compare to Pyrex (63).
• Density of Quartz is high (2.6) compare to Pyrex (2.2).

With all above factors, it is clear that Quartz cuvettes are superior compare to Pyrex cuvettes. So, Quartz cuvette is significantly costly compare to Pyrex cuvettes. 
In clinical chemistry analyzer, all our readings are taken between 340~700 nm as well as reaction cuvettes are not exposed to extremely high temperature. Again “Refractive Index” of Quartz (1.46) and Pyrex (1.47) is almost similar. So, “Pyrex Cuvettes” serve all the purposes required for accurate & precise results in clinical chemistry analyzer, that to at much lower price compare to “Costly Quartz Cuvettes”. In clinical chemistry analyzer, reaction cuvette is a consumable and it needs to be change periodically.

Beacon group of companies are offering full range of clinical chemistry analyzers having throughput of 200, 400 and 800 tests / hour. These analyzers are equipped with cost effective “Pyrex Reaction Cuvettes”.