The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for testing the operational status of printhead nozzles. High throughput drop detection devices are used to detected ink drops that are fired from the printhead nozzles, and the operational status is determined from the ink drop characteristics. The ink drop characteristics may include the presence or absence of an ink drop. Ink drop characteristics may also include the size and the location of an ink drop. The drop detection devices are capable of detecting a plurality of ink drops that are ejected substantially simultaneously.