Abstract: A flow cell system for an optical fluid analysis comprises a disposable flow cell having at least one flow chamber comprising a fluid pathway, and at least one pair of opposed light transmitting windows along the fluid pathway, an external flow cell holder for holding the flow cell, at least one light source, and an external detection device couplable with at least one of the flow cell holder and the flow cell for bringing the external detection device in optical communication with the flow cell, the device having at least one optical detection unit. The external detection device is configured to conduct optical measurements of the fluid that flows in the flow cell through at least one pair of windows from externally under illumination by the at least one light source.