Method of operating a test-in-strip handler

The invention provides a method of operating a Test-In-Strip Handler having a loader unit, a processing unit, in particular a testing unit or a marking unit, and an unloader unit, the loader unit comprising a first number N1 of compartments and each compartment of the loader unit being configured to receive a stack of strips, the unloader unit comprising a second number N2 of compartments and each compartment of the unloader unit being configured to receive a stack of strips, the method comprising the steps: (a) placing a number N of stacks of strips in N respective compartments of the loader unit; (b) loading a strip from the loader unit to the processing unit for processing the strip; (c) unloading the strip from the processing unit; and (d) stacking the strip to one of a number N+M of compartments of the unloader unit; wherein N ‰¥ 2, M ‰¥ 1, N ‰¤ N1 and (N + M) ‰¤ N2. The invention further provides a Test-In-Strip Handler, comprising: a loader unit; a processing unit; and an unloader unit; wherein the loader unit comprises a first number N1 ‰¥ 2 of compartments and each compartment of the loader unit is configured to receive a stack of strips, the unloader unit comprising a second number N2 ‰¥ (N1 + 1) of compartments and each compartment of the unloader unit is configured to receive a stack of strips.