diff --git a/tests/test_protocols.py b/tests/test_protocols.py
index e0b73ec4..cd244fbb 100755
--- a/tests/test_protocols.py
+++ b/tests/test_protocols.py
@@ -30,6 +30,17 @@ class TestDataFrameFactory(unittest.TestCase):
                                           cls.data_queue_received,
                                           cls.modem_transmit_queue)
 
+    def shortcutTransmission(self):
+        transmission_item = self.modem_transmit_queue.get()
+        frame_bytes = bytes(transmission_item['frame'])
+        self.frame_dispatcher.new_process_data(frame_bytes, None, len(frame_bytes), 0, 0)
+
+    def assertEventReceivedType(self, event_type):
+        ev = self.event_queue.get()
+        self.assertIn('freedata', ev)
+        self.assertIn('received', ev)
+        self.assertEqual(ev['received'], event_type)
+
     def testPingWithAck(self):
         # Run ping command
         api_params = { "dxcall": "XX1XXX-7" }
@@ -37,25 +48,12 @@ class TestDataFrameFactory(unittest.TestCase):
         ping_cmd.run(self.event_queue, self.modem_transmit_queue)
 
         # Shortcut the transmit queue directly to the frame dispatcher
-        transmission_item = self.modem_transmit_queue.get()
-        frame_bytes = bytes(transmission_item['frame'])
-        self.frame_dispatcher.new_process_data(frame_bytes, None, len(frame_bytes), 0, 0)
-
-        # Expect to receive and event of the received PING request
-        ev = self.event_queue.get()
-        self.assertIn('freedata', ev)
-        self.assertIn('received', ev)
-        self.assertEqual(ev['received'], 'PING')
+        self.shortcutTransmission()
+        self.assertEventReceivedType('PING')
 
         # Check ACK
-        transmission_item = self.modem_transmit_queue.get()
-        frame_bytes = bytes(transmission_item['frame'])
-        self.frame_dispatcher.new_process_data(frame_bytes, None, len(frame_bytes), 0, 0)
-
-        ev = self.event_queue.get()
-        self.assertIn('freedata', ev)
-        self.assertIn('received', ev)
-        self.assertEqual(ev['received'], 'PING_ACK')
+        self.shortcutTransmission()
+        self.assertEventReceivedType('PING_ACK')    
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
     unittest.main()