Abstract: Test apparatus for the optoelectronic evaluation of test paper strips such as are used, for example, for determining the blood sugar level, which apparatus may be calibrated in a simple and accurate manner. For dark calibration, there is provided in a position opposite the light source and the photosensor a reflector having a black reflector surface, with the space for receiving the test paper strip - as determined by the holding means - being located between the light source and the photosensor on the one hand and the reflector on the other hand. There are provided accuracy-improving means for the test paper-dependent calibration of the evaluation and display means and a bar code reader comprising a channel for passing therethrough a bar code strip, a light source for illuminating the bar code strip and a photosensor to scan the bar code pattern and having its output connected to the evaluation and display means (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Individual strips of test tape particularly suitable for urinalysis are held in longitudinal receptacles of a rotating drum and scanned by a measuring device operative to sense light reflecting characteristics of test areas on each test tape. The measuring device is moved along a guide mechanism longitudinally of the drum and the drum is indexed in steps to bring each test tape into sensing position relative to the measuring device. Analytical data from the measuring device may be converted into graphical form by a tracer mechanism operated in response to the measuring device. An endless belt driving mechanism operates to drive the measuring device longitudinally of the drum to scan the test tapes with a lever system containing a switch arm being provided to effect both reciprocal scanning motion of the measuring device and stepped rotation of the drum relative thereto.