Tray for parallel processing of multiple test devices

A cartridge pre-processing device system and method receives immunoassay lateral flow assay test cartridges for development prior to submitting the cartridge for assay/analysis. The cartridge pre-processing device supports high assay throughput with reduced operator burden by automating device pre-processing timing steps without locking-down the reader that is used to perform the assay/analysis. The pre-processing device is operated in a walk-a-way mode. The pre-processing device is separate from the assay cartridge reader and is capable of automatically timing the development of an assay cartridge with minimal to no operator oversight. Additionally, the device disclosed herein is able to alert the operator when assay development is complete and when the assay has developed in excess of a predetermined flextime associated with an individual cartridge.