Method for testing an analytical instrument

A method for testing a capability of an analytical instrument to perform a predetermined analytical function, the analytical instrument comprising at least one sensor, a control unit and an output unit, the method comprising the steps of:

• activating a test program configured in the analytical instrument;
• selecting a first and a second blind sample, each blind sample comprising a test substance of a composition unknown to a user, with each blind sample having an identification means associated therewith that provides a unique identification to the respective blind sample;
• using the test program to determine whether a selected one of the at least one sensors, the control unit and output unit are configured for performing the predetermined analytical function;
• acquiring at least one first measurement value by using the selected sensor to measure the first blind sample;
• acquiring at least one second measurement value by using the selected sensor to measure the second blind sample;
• transferring, to a test unit, the respective measurement values and the associated unique identifications for the first and second blind samples;
• associating, in a database of the test unit, the unique identifications of each blind sample with a set value and a threshold value that is stored therein for the blind sample, the set value representing an expected measurement value for the blind sample and the threshold value representing a permitted deviation from the set value;
• determining, in the test unit, a test result for each blind sample, by comparing the measurement value to the stored set and threshold values for the blind sample;
• transferring the test result to the output unit;
• and
• outputting the test result by means of the output unit.