an analytical system for examining a body fluid and a method of operation of an analytical system , typically for blood sugar tests , including an exchangeable magazine as a consumable , which includes a plurality of magazine units that are each provided with at least one analytical aid and with a transport element , a hand - held device having a magazine guide for receiving the magazine , a transport mechanism that engages on the transport elements so as to transport the magazine in steps in the magazine guide , including a positioning mechanism for positioning an active magazine unit in a predefined functional position , wherein retaining means of the positioning mechanism can be brought into engagement with transport elements of the magazine .