Prepare a UV-Vis purchase brief

A useful UV-Vis quotation starts from the method, not from a model number. Use this checklist to prepare the brief.

1. The method

• What are you measuring, and at which wavelength or wavelength range?
• Which reference method applies, and what is its current version?
• What reporting limit and repeatability does the method require?

2. The sample

• Sample volume available per measurement.
• Matrix and any dilution or extraction step.
• Cuvette material and path length (for example quartz, 10 mm).

3. The optical requirement

• Wavelength range and spectral bandwidth.
• Whether a reference measurement must be taken at the same time (double beam) or can be separate (single beam).
• Expected absorbance range and the need for stray-light performance at the extremes.

4. Accessories and data

• Sample holders, sippers, temperature control and solid-sample accessories.
• Export format and the software functions your quality system requires.
• Documentation: manual, datasheet, declaration and any qualification documents.

5. Installation

• Bench space, power supply and operating environment.
• Operator training and who will maintain the instrument.

Send the completed checklist with your inquiry. Mark any unknown values as “to be confirmed” so they can be reviewed before the configuration is finalized.