A sample vessel assembly, comprising a base member including a base flange having first and second opposing surfaces, first and second sides intersecting with one another; and a first sidewall extending from the first surface at a distance from the first and second sides; and a lid member, including: a lid flange having third and fourth opposing surfaces, third and fourth sides intersecting with one another; and a second sidewall extending from the third surface at a distance from the third and fourth sides, the second sidewall engageable with the first sidewall such that the first surface of the base flange and the third surface of the lid flange are in an opposing spaced-apart relationship with one another and such that the first and second sidewalls cooperate with one another to define a sample chamber. Further disclosed is a method for automated analysis of samples in a sample vessel assembly.