Methods and systems for calibrating illumination source of diagnostic test system

A diagnostic test system, comprising:

• a test strip that comprises a flow path for a fluid sample, a sample receiving zone coupled to the flow path, a label that specifically binds a target analyte, a detection zone coupled to the flow path and comprising a test region exposed for optical inspection and having an immobilized test reagent that specifically binds the target analyte, and at least one reference feature comprising an illumination source calibration region;
• a reader comprising an illumination source operable to illuminate the test strip when the test strip is loaded in the port, the reader further comprising a detection system that obtains light intensity measurements from exposed regions of the test strip when the test strip is loaded in the port;
• and
• a data analyzer comprising software that generates a control signal calibrating the illumination source based on at least one light intensity measurement obtained from the illumination source calibration region.