diff --git a/test/unit_tests/server/pipeline_test.py b/test/unit_tests/server/pipeline_test.py
index aae4717..364b489 100644
--- a/test/unit_tests/server/pipeline_test.py
+++ b/test/unit_tests/server/pipeline_test.py
@@ -35,8 +35,7 @@ def test_pipeline(
     if core_operation is Nothing:
         pytest.skip(f"No operation defined for parameter combination: {item_type=}, {one_to_many=}")
     output = compose(llift(unpack), client_pipeline)(input_data_items, metadata)
-    if n_items > 0:
-        assert len(output) > 0
+    assert n_items == 0 or len(output) > 0
     assert output == targets