A method of positioning a tape that includes determining an estimated position of a test element on the tape and rotating a spool that carries the tape in order for the test element to be positioned at a reading station. The estimated position of the test element is determined based on detected rotation of the spool, which can be measured at any shaft in the drive train. Also disclosed is a testing process for testing a sample deposited on a test element of a tape held on a spool of a cassette, a system for determining an estimated position of a test element on a tape which is carried by a cassette, and a memory storage medium associated with an in vitro diagnostic test cassette.