You’ve invested in the right cuvette for your experiment. Now, how you handle it can make or break your results. Proper cuvette care is a simple yet critical lab skill that prevents errors and saves money.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Cuvette Handling:
- DO: Always handle cuvettes by the top, textured sides. Fingerprints on the clear, optical surfaces will scatter and absorb light, ruining your absorbance readings.
- DON’T: Place cuvettes on the bench lying down. They should always be stored upright in a clean rack to prevent scratches and contamination.
- DO: Clean them thoroughly after each use. Rinse multiple times with the solvent you will use next (e.g., distilled water, buffer). For stubborn residues, follow a proper cleaning protocol.
- DON’T: Use abrasive materials or strong bases to clean quartz cuvettes, as they can etch the surface.
- DO: Check the cuvette for scratches, cracks, or cloudiness before use. A damaged cuvette should be discarded.
- DON’T: Overfill it. Follow the manufacturer’s fill volume to avoid spillover into the instrument, which can cause damage and cross-contamination.
