Think of how wasteful this is…
Each single use test must include a battery, a bluetooth transmitter and receiver, and an led… as well as whatever “fluorescent detection” technology they claim to use. Compare that with a normal covid test, which really only requires the chemicals that change color when coming into contact with covid antigens… I wouldn’t mind all of this overengineering if it were somehow multi-use, but this much waste for just one use? Really???? Additionally the user experience for this test is just horrible. While the packaging says that you can get your results in 15 minutes, in practice, it takes around 30 to download their app, answer all of their personal questions (including giving your address, name, and email), watch their unnecessarily long video (which is repeated later anyways when they give the steps in text), and finally do their test. When in other tests, the preparation normally only takes around 2-3 minutes, this test somehow managed to overcomplicate things to more than 10 minutes. It’s not like you can use the test unless you download the app anyways, as they don’t provide you the instructions and the app is required to even receive the test results. The test is also known to a high false positive rate, so I think it’s lovely that they’ve reported many false instances of covid to authorities.
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Response from developer
Thank you for reaching out. Your feedback is important, and we’d like to talk to you about your experience. If you would like to discuss this further, please submit your details with our Customer Support team here: www.ellumecovidtest.com/customer-support and one of our team will get back to you soon. Thank you.
The worst product I’ve ever tried!
Reviews for this product are useless because if your downloading the app, and seeing the reviews, you’ve likely already bought this garbage product. Unnecessarily cumbersome, incredibly intrusive and unreliable. As a doctor I’ve used dozens of COVID tests from different companies, all without a complaint. This product forces you to download an app and Bluetooth the test to your phone in order to get your results. No option to perform the test without the app. The test I purchased would never connect! Complete waste of money and time. Additionally, had it connected and worked properly it required a lot of personal information, including my email, to receive the results. And the company says in it’s paperwork that it will share your results with the public health authorities, local, state and federal. No option to keep your results private despite the high incidence of false positives associated with this test. Any other home test that gives immediate results without an app can be done completely anonymously. This is overreach, over-engineered and over priced. Quite possibly the worst product I’ve ever purchased. ZERO stars
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Response from developer
Thank you for contacting Ellume. We are sorry there was an error with your test. Please accept our apologies for any frustration and inconvenience the result may have caused. Please submit your details with our Customer Support team here: www.ellumecovidtest.com/customer-support and one of our team will get back to you soon. Thank you
Worst idea ever!
If I could give a negative star, I would! This is a typical example of how to execute an easy idea in a very complicated way! I have been using quick test kits for two years and tried different brands. All of them came in different packages and tools but the basic test process was the same. Easy and quick. But not this one! It requires an app which means that if you do not own a cell phone, then you cannot do the test! It also means that now if you want to do the test for the whole family, you have to do it one by one because the test kit needs to be connected to Bluetooth the whole time. How stupid is that!!!! I saw some reviewers say that the app collects tons of personal information. And the developer responded by saying only certain types of information was required but the rest was optional. Well, they designed the app in such a way that they did not explicitly tell you that you do not have to enter every information. Interestingly, they do bother to create a pop up window and ask you if you are sure that you do not want to enter your email address. To me, the goal to collect and sell your data to third party is written all over their faces. I cannot imagine that someone can make a quick test kit so complicated that it is not longer quick any more!!!!
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Response from developer
We understand some people do not want an app with their COVID test. Our app provides support in the testing process and age, state & zip code are the only mandatory data. Please submit your details with our Customer Support team here: www.ellumecovidtest.com/customer-support if you wish to discuss this further. Thank you.
Unnecessary-Privacy Invasion-Long Process
This is quite possibly the dumbest idea any “healthcare” company has ever come up with. Why do I need an overly complicated box to send a signal to my phone when I am standing right there and should just be able to read the test on my own. You CANNOT read the test on your own or without a phone that’s mostly charged. If I wanted to send results (that are let’s be honest, accurate 50% of the time), to someone I should go to a doctor or get an actual PCR test done.
This text took too much time. The video is slow and it won’t allow you to move forward through the mandatory instructional at an expedited pace. There’s no sound. Just a slow video that I didn’t need or want. Going back to the general process, WHY????! Again, the inaccurate results can be sent via email to third parties, but for the same credibility, I could just take a picture of a normal “low-tech” test. I will forever be cursing for selling this thing to me because I feel like I got ripped off. I wish this company would stop selling these.
This text took too much time. The video is slow and it won’t allow you to move forward through the mandatory instructional at an expedited pace. There’s no sound. Just a slow video that I didn’t need or want. Going back to the general process, WHY????! Again, the inaccurate results can be sent via email to third parties, but for the same credibility, I could just take a picture of a normal “low-tech” test. I will forever be cursing for selling this thing to me because I feel like I got ripped off. I wish this company would stop selling these.
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Response from developer
Thank you for reaching out. Your feedback is important, and we’d like to talk to you about your experience. If you would like to discuss this further, please submit your details with our Customer Support team here: www.ellumecovidtest.com/customer-support and one of our team will get back to you soon. Thank you.
Anybody used this app more than once would give it zero star
Used this app a few times, I found the app truly wastes people’s time. Every time you would have to watch the same video again, absolutely no way to go to step by step direction directly. If so, what is the point to have step by step instructions. And now the app is telling me I have to charge my phone over 20%. Funny thing is, the phone is even on a charger. Funnier, while waiting to charge to 20%, phone went into sleep and the app, you guessed it, restarted and I have to restart the whole video watching process. What a genius!
On another note, Which genius in the government made the decision to procure this products…?
On another note, Which genius in the government made the decision to procure this products…?
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App and test kit worked as advertised
Not sure why so many others have left low reviews and negative statements, but I’m betting a good fraction of them weren’t the fault of Ellume or the physical test kit but rather user error.
Had no issues launching the app, or connecting to the analyzer via bluetooth provided in the physical test kit. Followed instructions slowly and carefully, making sure to wash and sanitize my hands prior to handling the test kit components. Waited 15 minutes after adding the processing fluid (mixed with the nasal swab sample) via the dropper, and received a negative result.
Had no issues launching the app, or connecting to the analyzer via bluetooth provided in the physical test kit. Followed instructions slowly and carefully, making sure to wash and sanitize my hands prior to handling the test kit components. Waited 15 minutes after adding the processing fluid (mixed with the nasal swab sample) via the dropper, and received a negative result.
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Needs a few tweaks
So the point of the app seems to be to collect location data and age demographic info after a test, which is super useful. BUT, there’s some stuff needs to be changed. This test is less convenient than non-digital/bluetooth tests.
I think the test works fine, but there’s a few changes I would recommend so that people will be willing to use the test more:
-Either get rid of the video or make it optional to watch. All the testing instructions get repeated a second time after the video anyhow. The video also cant be skipped or fast forwarded, so it just takes more time than it needs to in order to finally get to the test.
-Add a red asterisk next to the required info users need to fill in. I keep reading complaints from other users that they need to add a ton of information before taking the test and its not true. The test only requires you to fill in your location, age, and something else (sorry I forgot). There’s a little text in each of the required entries, and I guess people don't get it or notice it. Add a red asterisk next to each entry space users actually need to fill in so its more obvious, or for good measure have a notice at the top of the page that says “Please fill in at least the sections that say ‘required’ “.
I think the test works fine, but there’s a few changes I would recommend so that people will be willing to use the test more:
-Either get rid of the video or make it optional to watch. All the testing instructions get repeated a second time after the video anyhow. The video also cant be skipped or fast forwarded, so it just takes more time than it needs to in order to finally get to the test.
-Add a red asterisk next to the required info users need to fill in. I keep reading complaints from other users that they need to add a ton of information before taking the test and its not true. The test only requires you to fill in your location, age, and something else (sorry I forgot). There’s a little text in each of the required entries, and I guess people don't get it or notice it. Add a red asterisk next to each entry space users actually need to fill in so its more obvious, or for good measure have a notice at the top of the page that says “Please fill in at least the sections that say ‘required’ “.
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Simple, Quick, Non-Invasive Don’t listen to 1 star
I don’t know why people say the info you have to give is invasive. It’s pretty typical if you were going to a doctor to get a medical test done they’re going to ask for you name lol. Test took 20 minutes total. Got my results, with options to email them to whoever needed them for work.
I’d say this is much better than long wait times at Hospitals, being swabbed by some nurse trying to touch your brain, and waiting 2-3 days for results. This test beats that experience by a long shot.
Sorry so many people rate this 1 star, I don’t get it.
I’d say this is much better than long wait times at Hospitals, being swabbed by some nurse trying to touch your brain, and waiting 2-3 days for results. This test beats that experience by a long shot.
Sorry so many people rate this 1 star, I don’t get it.
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I rather catch COVID than force to use this app
Pretty neat testing tools but the app is just not user friendly. The app forces you to watch a 5 minute video EVERY SINGLE time you want to take a test. No skipping, not fast forwarding, nothing. The video tells you to NOT to do anything until the video is over because it’ll provide instructions afterwards. The first step is to connect the analyzer to the phone but once you connect the analyzer to your phone, it instantly starts to analyze the sample so you have to basically rush to get your sample into the device. Where were the instructions mentioned in the video?
Just make step by step instructions that allow the users to hit next to move on to the next step and have the final step be connecting the analyzer. This app makes absolutely no sense and could be done so much better. It’s a chore just taking this test alone that I rather just use the old ones with the dropper and the test result strip.
Just make step by step instructions that allow the users to hit next to move on to the next step and have the final step be connecting the analyzer. This app makes absolutely no sense and could be done so much better. It’s a chore just taking this test alone that I rather just use the old ones with the dropper and the test result strip.
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Response from developer
Thank you for your feedback. The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test team monitors our customer reviews in order to continuously optimize our product. If you’d like to provide further information, please submit your details with our Customer Support team here: www.ellumecovidtest.com/customer-support and one of our team will get back to you soon. Thank you.
Return the product and buy a test that doesn’t require an app
If you’re reading this turn back and return the test ASAP. It’s a waste of time and money.
The app requires personal info for you to proceed to an unskippable video. By the time you download the app, fake your personal information, and slog through the video you could have the results of any other test on the market. And god forbid you want to rewind this unskippable video to watch a step again, takes you back to the beginning and it forces you to start over again.
Requiring a smartphone app to get the results of a health test should be a crime. There are plenty of people that don’t have access to or can’t use smartphones. Screw the product team behind this product. I’m avoiding CVS in the future because of this.
The app requires personal info for you to proceed to an unskippable video. By the time you download the app, fake your personal information, and slog through the video you could have the results of any other test on the market. And god forbid you want to rewind this unskippable video to watch a step again, takes you back to the beginning and it forces you to start over again.
Requiring a smartphone app to get the results of a health test should be a crime. There are plenty of people that don’t have access to or can’t use smartphones. Screw the product team behind this product. I’m avoiding CVS in the future because of this.
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Dumbest thing ever!
Hey Ellume, this review is directly from me to you. As an entrepreneur I totally get your gimmick. But are you dumb or you think I am dumb? Not only is this the most complicated COVID test to setup (which is completely unnecessary, imagine if a pregnancy test was so complicated i would have never wanted to get pregnant!!!!), the dumbest part was I had to watch your stupid video every single time I took a test!!! You think I’m so dumb that I couldn’t remember the video process from a few hours ago when I took the first test??? Also not to mention the results are inaccurate proven by a PCR test at a local clinic. Anyways I’m shocked you are still in business! You really shouldn’t continue as a “gong concern” (check with a CPA or an investment banker if you don’t know what this means). Honest advice, you should dissolve the business and dedicate your limited resources elsewhere. Good riddance!
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More expensive and unnecessary vs other tests
This test was expensive but since it was behind a counter I didn’t realize that the box only contained one test AND I would have to use an app to get my results, which also happens to require some personal information from me.
Functionally: the instructional video is helpful and it seems like the swab system would be pretty error free. What I didn’t like is that you give up using your phone for the whole 15 min it takes to wait for the results. If you even move it from one location to another during that time the app will say it can’t connect to the analyzer.
Value: not worth the price and additional inconvenience.
Functionally: the instructional video is helpful and it seems like the swab system would be pretty error free. What I didn’t like is that you give up using your phone for the whole 15 min it takes to wait for the results. If you even move it from one location to another during that time the app will say it can’t connect to the analyzer.
Value: not worth the price and additional inconvenience.
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break open the test when you're done
Pry the test open to look at the result with your own eyes + harvest the little battery for your small devices. I've been exposed a couple times in the last week and have been regularly testing-- these tests keep telling me I'm negative. Saw from another reviewer that you should break open the test to look at the strip yourself because a faint line is also positive! Lo and behold, just saw a faint line that the test didn't recognize. Also hate that I have to rewatch the video with every test. Technology should not overcomplicate something so simple. I get that the govt wants to be able to track transmission like this but it's a bad solution, only half works.
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False negative 3 times in a row
As the title indicates. I recently got covid. After about 5 days, I tested using this kit because this was the only one available at home. Despite the painstakingly long process of setting up and everything, it gave me a negative result the night of the day before yesterday. I tested using this brand again yesterday night and today morning, it all came back negative. Mind you, I used very exquisite and proper techniques, carefully following instructions.
Tonight, I went home and tested again using a standard covid test kit, and it gave me a positive result with a faint second band!!!!!
Yeah, with these stupid kits only giving you “negative” or “positive” conclusions on your phone, you have NO WAY of telling how much viral load you have, and they EASILY MISREAD your results. DO NOT TRUST!
Tonight, I went home and tested again using a standard covid test kit, and it gave me a positive result with a faint second band!!!!!
Yeah, with these stupid kits only giving you “negative” or “positive” conclusions on your phone, you have NO WAY of telling how much viral load you have, and they EASILY MISREAD your results. DO NOT TRUST!
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Inaccessible, deliberate growth-hacking
If you’re reading this, it’s too late as you’ve probably realized that you’re forced to download this app in order to use the test.
But adding more feedback nonetheless:
- Inaccessible. Required downloading the app, filling out personal information, watching an unskippable video, turning on Bluetooth and other settings, etc. Older folks, those most at risk for Covid, are often technologically challenged and this makes the test unusable without help.
- Time-consuming. The test essentially renders your phone a useless brick of metal for 20 minutes while you watch the slow and unnecessary video, go through the steps, and are forced to keep the app open for the 15 minutes while waiting for the test result.
- Wasteful. The amount of plastic and the single-use Bluetooth device is completely unnecessary. The typical basic tests are much less wasteful and don’t require downloading an app! What a concept!
To whichever customer rep reads this, I’m sorry, I know it’s not your fault. But I’m really disappointed to see this blatant growth-hacking at the expense of an accessible product that puts people and their health first.
But adding more feedback nonetheless:
- Inaccessible. Required downloading the app, filling out personal information, watching an unskippable video, turning on Bluetooth and other settings, etc. Older folks, those most at risk for Covid, are often technologically challenged and this makes the test unusable without help.
- Time-consuming. The test essentially renders your phone a useless brick of metal for 20 minutes while you watch the slow and unnecessary video, go through the steps, and are forced to keep the app open for the 15 minutes while waiting for the test result.
- Wasteful. The amount of plastic and the single-use Bluetooth device is completely unnecessary. The typical basic tests are much less wasteful and don’t require downloading an app! What a concept!
To whichever customer rep reads this, I’m sorry, I know it’s not your fault. But I’m really disappointed to see this blatant growth-hacking at the expense of an accessible product that puts people and their health first.
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The rapid covid test no one asked for
Why is it necessary to download an app and enter my personal information for a rapid test? My husband bought this because it was the only one left at the store. I felt horrible so I used it but this test is way more involved than it needs to be. I’m a firm believer in keeping things simple. An annoyingly long set-up video after you download their app and input your personal info (um, super sketchy), then it wouldn’t let me go forward because my phone was less than 20% even while it was plugged in. Then it’s another 15 minutes while it processes. Feels like major technology bloat and waste for a process that other companies have managed to keep simple and much cheaper. Who wants this is struggle when they’re sick and full of brain fog? Anyway, I’m surrounded by Covid positives and have had symptoms since yesterday morning but still returned a negative result.. will retest in 12-14 hours with a standard rapid test tomorrow.
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Response from developer
Thank you for reaching out. Your feedback is important, and we’d like to talk to you about your experience. If you would like to discuss this further, please submit your details with our Customer Support team here: www.ellumecovidtest.com/customer-support and one of our team will get back to you soon. Thank you.
Not bad, but not good
Um, well, I wouldn’t give this app a 1/10, but it needs some fixing. I’m trying to be nice today, but I don’t think this all needs your private information. Like, why address? Are they going to send something to my address? Also, please make the introduction video shorter. I accidentally opened the liquid before the video even started, and I had to charge my phone because it was below 20 percent battery. I had to make another account on another phone and enter every single detail about my private information. We then tested and I don’t know if it’s accurate since it had been like 20 since we opened the liquid and poured it in. To be honest, this kit is very sophisticated, but I think a little too sophisticated. Maybe you could make the people who are testing to do the testing while you give instructions??? Not the most convenient app though. Anyways, if any of y’all end up reading this comment, thanks.
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Response from developer
We understand some people do not want an app with their COVID test. Our app provides support in the testing process and age, state & zip code are the only mandatory data. Please submit your details with our Customer Support team here: www.ellumecovidtest.com/customer-support if you wish to discuss this further. Thank you.
Free tests
We got these tests for free but it seems like a big waste of materials compared to the original orange and white tests we would get. Each box only has one and comes with a lot of packaging waste and the boxes are huge. We were sent 15, and with so many big boxes, they’re difficult to store somewhere. But I won’t complain about that too much since they were free and a lot of these reviews mention paying $40 for each box.
I didn’t mind the videos. It needs to be accessible for everyone, including those who may be older and need the extra guidance. I didn’t like that it asked for so much personal information, which I didn’t know some of it was even optional until I read these reviews.
While the Bluetooth option is kind of annoying to deal with, I didn’t have trouble connecting (iPhone pro max) and I appreciate that we’re given the option to have a form sent to our email about our test results. I had a situation last year where an employer was a bit suspicious with home kits and the validity of submitting them for your time off (in case you got pictures from friends or pulled off the internet), so this feels a bit more formal and professional. I can see it running better with those who need paperwork.
I mostly docked off a star because of the information thing and for how big the boxes are, but I really had a good experience overall since they were free for us.
I didn’t mind the videos. It needs to be accessible for everyone, including those who may be older and need the extra guidance. I didn’t like that it asked for so much personal information, which I didn’t know some of it was even optional until I read these reviews.
While the Bluetooth option is kind of annoying to deal with, I didn’t have trouble connecting (iPhone pro max) and I appreciate that we’re given the option to have a form sent to our email about our test results. I had a situation last year where an employer was a bit suspicious with home kits and the validity of submitting them for your time off (in case you got pictures from friends or pulled off the internet), so this feels a bit more formal and professional. I can see it running better with those who need paperwork.
I mostly docked off a star because of the information thing and for how big the boxes are, but I really had a good experience overall since they were free for us.
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Response from developer
Thank you for using our test. We’re thrilled you had a great experience. We’ve worked very hard to make the app and instructions simple and user friendly, and we appreciate hearing it worked so well for you. Stay safe.
Terrible Product
This is literally one of the worst products I have ever purchased. It is 2-4 times more expensive than other COVID tests. Then it requires you to watch a video before doing the test. There is no way to rewind the video, so if you miss a part of it, you have to go all the way back to the beginning. Then I went to actually use the test (after watching the ridiculous video), and it there was no fluid in the test kit (so it did not work). Plus the app REQUIRES you to enter your own personal information to take the test - and gives no indication (except buried in the terms of use somewhere) where that information is going. This app combines a completely pedantic approach with mind-boggling stupidity to devastating effect…
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TRASH!!!!!
If I could give this test no stars I would. I picked this up thinking it was just a simple swab test. I was a little bit disappointed to see that it was electronic, but didn’t think it would be that hard to set everything up to actually perform the test. Wrong!! To start off, the app kept freezing when I tried to put in my information. I also worked on setting up the Bluetooth connector for about 30 minutes. The device took an incredibly long time to show. When it finally did. I could not get a solid connection. The connection timed out multiple times. I double checked my wifi as well to make sure. That wasn’t the issue. So I wasn’t even able to actually take to test. Talk about over complicating something that should be so simple.
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