Fluid-based particle detection exhibits improved light collection and image quality from a light collection system that uses immersed optics on a flow-through cell for collecting and detecting scattered light from particles carried by the fluid. The flow-through cell includes first and second body sections that are coupled to form a unitary article and have opposed interior surface portions configured to form opposed walls of a flow channel through which the fluid flows. First and second optical elements are associated with the respective first and second body sections. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first and second optical elements is an integral part of its associated body section. A lens element constructed as an integral part of the unitary flow-through cell eliminates additional interfaces or bonding joints that cause scattering and absorption of light.