In the past six months, my son had two colds, which are now more commonly referred to as COVID-19 symptoms. We gave up everything and let him undergo two tests, but for various reasons, the process was very stressful both times. But, whether it’s a child or you, figuring out the test is challenging—at least it’s inconvenient. In response to these types of concerns and stress, Cue Health has just launched a home COVID-19 test that anyone can purchase.
Cue’s COVID-19 test is the first molecular test accepted Food and Drug Administration Emergency use authorization that can be used at home without a prescription.This is different from the first Antigen testing at home may not be reliable. Antigen testing is to look for antibodies in your immune system against the virus that causes COVID-19, while molecular testing is to detect the genetic material of the virus.In terms of Cue’s test effectiveness, the company cited an independent study of 292 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients Mayo Clinic Outpatients said that Cue’s COVID-19 test matched the results of the central laboratory, with an accuracy rate of 97.8%.Test use Nucleic acid amplification This is equivalent to a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test.
Cue Reader is indeed the secret of this home COVID test. Obviously, the reason why the company is currently focusing on this particular disease is obvious, but its readers will also be able to help people with other types of home tests in the future. I tried Cue Reader and its molecular COVID-19 test to see if it is as stress-free as it seems.
TL; PhD
advantage:
- Easy-to-follow instructions with video
- Subscribe to virtual visit doctors through Cue+ Complete
shortcoming:
- The high price of each COVID-19 test
- Subscription price is a bit confusing
Where to buy Prompt for health.
Test for COVID-19 at home
Taylor Hayes
The prospect of laboratory-quality equivalent COVID testing at home is interesting. Even better, the prompt reader is highly connected via mobile devices for instructions and deeper help.
If you are interested in this product, I suggest you read all the beautiful prints of Cue for yourself. I carefully read the details on its website, and nothing seems to contradict its general marketing information. In most cases, the long and expanded text clarifies things like the product has not been approved or approved by the FDA. Simply put, it has been “authorized by the FDA under emergency use authorization.” Or it is only authorized to “detect nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not any other viruses or pathogens.”
Testing for COVID-19 from Cue is simple. The Cue Health app not only guides you through the process of managing the test, but because it is connected to the reader device, the hardware and software can work together. For example, the application will show a video of how to open the ink cartridge and insert it into the reader. The application will continue to play the video in a loop until it detects that the ink cartridge is inserted, and then it will automatically proceed to the next step.
The fluid does not need to be mixed, and this test does not require calibration. All components are independent.
After I downloaded the Cue Health app and used it to create a free account, I performed my first COVID test. The entire testing process did not take long. From opening the test, wiping each nostril, inserting it into the reader to waiting for about 20 minutes for the result, the whole process is completed in 30 minutes.
When the results are sent to my phone, I have the opportunity to print a form with all the details, including who it is for (me) and who manages it (me). The result is negative, even if I don’t need to prove to anyone that my test result is negative, I still save the file on my phone. All results are also saved in the app for future return.
If you really need to prove that your most recent test result is negative, the company will provide a Cue+ Complete subscription service for “CDC-compliant travel, work, or school surveillance testing.” There is more content below.
My son volunteered to take the COVID test the next day. To this end, I created a profile for him in the app, which includes adding his name and date of birth. Since he is under 18, I must also verify my consent in the Cue Health app through PRIVO. PRIVO is an FTC approved privacy provider and is subject to safe harbor sanctions under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). There are several ways to verify myself, and it only takes a minute to use the last four digits of my social security number.
I wiped every nostril of my son in the same direction I did for myself. After inserting the wand into the cartridge in the card reader, we received a negative result alert within approximately the same 20 minutes as the day before.
Cue+ subscription and notes
Taylor Hayes
After using it a few times, I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of use provided by this device. It’s very simple, it doesn’t disconnect or behave in the way it shouldn’t. Of course, I cannot comment on its accuracy, but I have no symptoms and have not tested positive. (Even if I can get another similar home test for comparison, I cannot guarantee that it is accurate.)
So, suppose you and I are in a similar boat and want Cue’s home testing experience just for convenience. How much will it cost? The shortest answer is that the annual subscription fee for Cue+ Essential is US$49.99 per month, plus the discounted Cue Reader device, the price is US$149. The total for this year is approximately US$750. Cue+ Complete adds “CDC-compliant surveillance testing”, which should allow the results to be verifiable for activities such as work and travel. The subscription fee is US$89.99 per month, plus the same reader discount price of US$149, for a total of approximately US$1,230 per year.
The Essential plan comes with 10 tests, and the Complete plan comes with 20 tests.
Both subscriptions provide video chat access with the “primary care doctor” 24 hours a day, even if it is not your primary care doctor.
I cannot test the telemedicine aspect of the Cue Health app. I can only access the device and test. Cue did state that it is partnering with 98point6, which is an application that promises on-demand primary care and can provide “a doctor based in the United States and certified by the board of directors” on your mobile smart device.
In addition to discussing test results and updating prescriptions, these primary care doctors can also order laboratory tests and evaluate symptoms virtually. Of course, these prescriptions or laboratory tests are not free, but the patient’s responsibility.
If you are not interested in seeing a doctor’s video or do not need certified test results, you can purchase a Cue Reader and test in one go. Cue Reader and three tests are $474. Three additional tests are $225, which is equivalent to $75 each.
Prompt the future of readers
Taylor Hayes
Cue Reader is the main part of this home test. However, COVID-19 testing is not Cue’s only interest.
“We have many products for influenza, RSV in the short term [respiratory syncytial virus], Chlamydia/gonorrhea, fertility and pregnancy,” Clint Sever, co-founder and chief product officer of Cue Health, wrote in an email. “We have been developing this technology for ten years, and even before COVID-19, our The vision is to build a flexible platform so that people can access different types of tests and connect people with doctors. “
The technical aspect of this product is excellent. If the company can fully realize its promise, it will also be very remarkable. No one wants to go somewhere for the inconvenience and possible embarrassment of this type of test. Cue is testing for COVID at home, which is an encouraging step. This makes me very optimistic that it can provide other tests in the future.
In other words, I personally will not buy Cue Reader or any products, I hope it can do something in the future. I think the important thing is to evaluate the value of a product based only on what can be done at the time of purchase.It’s also hard to think of the advancement of consumer healthcare without being reminded Seranos, The startup falsified and exaggerated the statement of its blood analyzer.
Should you buy Cue Reader and its COVID-19 test?
By the end of 2021, the COVID pandemic appears to be at a very different stage, depending on where you are. In this case, for many people, the value of a PCR-like home COVID test within 30 minutes may also vary greatly.
Regardless of personal value, using Cue Reader and its COVID test are very reliable for me. I am very happy that this product exists, and it makes me optimistic about the future of family medicine testing.
Where to buy Cue Health starts at $49.99 per month.
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