Ellume COVID-19 Home Test Reviews

by Quarfark's Brother

App requires you to watch a 5 minute video in order to do the test, even if it’s your 10th time doing the test. There is no way to skip the video. Annoying, but I could deal with it, if they also weren’t now asking me to go through the 5 tests I had previously bought and go through the entire process of watching the video in order to even get to the step in EllumeCOVID19HomeTest where it checks if my test has been recalled. On their website it says to contact them if you have 5 or more tests, one would assume so they could give you an alternative to spending your watching the video 5 times. No. After emailing back and forth with them, their response was, “now go into EllumeCOVID19HomeTest and check each of your 5 tests”?? If you are going to screw up your product, at least stand behind it during the recall and don’t make me spend my afternoon going through your video 5 times.

by Jdimiieee

What a joke! Someone at work supposedly got the flu. You know… the huge pandemic we are going through… LOL. What a joke this is though god I hate our government. ANYWAYS, I knew I had no contact with my diseased coworker but to make my family feel better and for peace of mind I bought this test. Ya you guessed it it said I had COVID 19. So my mom was like omg omg omg. And I was like chill mom I feel really good right now I haven’t been sick in forever if ever. And it wanted me to put all my personal information in too ya right…. This was like 45 bucks too keep in mind. Ya so it said I had COVID 19 and that I was going to die. So I ran to Walgreens and bought that one that comes with 2. Both said negative. DO NOT BUY THIS I FEEL LIKE I WAS ROBBED. In so many ways too because now I have to go to the hospital and make sure(I guess who knows what they are up to) and get documented. I hope they don’t give me any drugs or stick that tube down my throat. That will probably end me for sure. ALL BECAUSE OF THIS TEST. This test may have very well killed me. DO NOT BUY GET THE REGULAR ONE LIKE I WOULD HAVE IF IT WAS AT CVS BUT IT WASNT AND I DIDNT FEEL LIKE GOING TO WALGREENS BUT I HAD TO ANYWAY THANKS ALOT DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY

by Rachiecakes66

This test is clearly just a data grabbing scam. I should have read reviews before using it. My 3 year old came down with a cough and fever so we decided to use this test my parents had on hand. It came out positive and needless to say caused us a ton of anxiety. We tested him again using a different at home test about an hour later which came back negative. After that we brought him to the pediatrician who confirmed he was negative the following day.
After reading many other reviews on several websites I realized that many many other people have received false positives using this test. No other test needs to use the Bluetooth on your phone to give you at home test results. It’s expensive, inaccurate and clearly it’s main purpose is to grab data off your phone. I’m mad at myself for not realizing this before I downloaded EllumeCOVID19HomeTest .
We spent almost 24 hours scared that our little boy had Covid because this test was wrong - even though it boasts a 96% accuracy rate. Do yourself a favor and pick literally any other test before this one!

by Bncy82

My husband came down very sick and I’m worried because we have a newborn. So I use this very expensive test (seriously $44 for 1 test when everywhere else it’s 2 for $12). Come to find out it’s expensive because the whole thing is POINTLESSLY electronic. You have to download EllumeCOVID19HomeTest just to use the test. Watch a video. Do every step on your phone (which has to be charged above 20% to even take the test). All this and it pops up a notification that the test has been recalled and I can not proceed. Seriously?!?! At 11:00 at night I have to now run out and find another test somewhere, with a newborn in tow while my husband isolates in the guest room. And to top it all off you get a run around on the refund. This company is unethical, trying to make a fortune off a pandemic and stealing your money when their product failed. As an RN let me tell you that this test is a rip off. There is nothing special about it. It unnecessarily complicated and a waste of money. Go get a cheaper one literally anywhere else.

by Fbks907

After not being able to find a BinaxNow test, which people I know have tried and liked the test, I decided to give Ellume a try. App would not connect to test analyzer and it said the battery for the analyzer was low (first reason not to buy, it relies on a battery), luckily I had the type of battery needed and I replaced it. Because I had to switch out the battery and start the process over again I had to sit and watch the entire overview video again (2nd reason not to buy), there’s no option to skip. Finally made it through the tutorial video for the 2nd time and turned on the analyzer with new battery I had to provide, it seemed to be working, got to the 2nd screen and of course the Bluetooth could not connect (3rd reason to not buy). I messed with it for over an hour trying different devices, watching the tutorial over and over again, and still nothing. What a waste of time, money and no customer support. STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE!

by Actual Paying Customer

I tried to get a quick test on my way to visit family… EllumeCOVID19HomeTest forced me to allow location tracking, notifications, bluetooth, just to take the test! They also forced me to watch videos and give away a bunch of personal info. ***NONE of this was not optional! They are actually using a global pandemic to shamelessly harvest the data of Americans at their most vulnerable. After following every step, EllumeCOVID19HomeTest said “analyzing” for over 45 minutes before I had to turn it off to preserve my phone battery. No result, no info on my test ever came. There’s more… EllumeCOVID19HomeTest is four times as expensive as other self-tests and takes at least twice as long to administer. I got a Binax test later that night and had my result within 15 mins of opening the box. There is an argument to be made that going to an urgent care is a more convenient way to test for COVID than using this company. I have no idea how they are allowed to sell this product SAVE YOUR MONEY! MAKE THE DRIVE TO ANOTHER STORE IF THIS IS THE ONLY TEST AVAILABLE!

by Anonymous37295

I’m extremely disappointed that the instructions are only on EllumeCOVID19HomeTest . 1. There is 0 good reasons to have the instructions on an app and none on a piece of paper. 2. This makes it extremely inaccessible for certain groups of people like older people, disabled people, people who don’t have smart phones or other technical issues, etc. When I’m super sick and can barely get out of bed I don’t want to be spending extra time answering a bunch of questions and connecting with bluetooth. The test is so expensive yet it’s not quick and easy like other tests and our data gets taken. I don’t know why an app have to be used for EVERYTHING nowadays, even the simplest of things. It’s like requiring us to download an app to flush our toilet. I know you probably need the data but you should have people volunteer to give it to you.

by Gadgetfreak00

Don’t trust anything they say. Between a false positive on one test a couple months back and their very shady recall process on a new one I have, the company is clearly founded on the idea of getting as much money from the COVID frenzy that they can — quality science and healthcare be damned.

The recall process itself is clearly designed to generate further sales any way they can. This is — as others have pointed out — because you cannot confirm you have a faulty test without opening and ruining the test. So some number of people will open the test, be told that actually their test is theoretically ok — and they will be out a test and the money they spent — leading to some number of further replacement sales.

The company should just do the right thing and recall all the questionable lot numbers and be done with it.

Oh and by the way the forms for the recall are also non-sensical at times and seem designed to trip you up so you can’t be approved. The first question was have you used the test — which I had not. And later you had to answer what your test results were — which didn’t apply to me since I didn’t use the test. But there is no way to say it doesn’t apply. Further you have to submit the results. I will be shocked if I actually get approved.

Anyway, by all means find another provider. Don’t give this shady company another dollar. You will regret it. Shameful.

by HeyJudeF4

I work in the school system so I’m around a ton of people all the time. I’m vaccinated and had Covid in January, but last week I started feeling the exact symptoms I remembered… I rushed to the store and bought this, trying to avoid urgent care testing lines, and didn’t read the reviews first. I followed directions precisely. Sure enough, this home test says I’m positive, over $40 later. So to the urgent care I go anyway! Rapid test comes back negative, but they offer to do the PCR “just in case.” While I’m waiting, I finally read through all these terrible reviews about false positives, but wanted to wait for the “official” test results before adding my own complaint. Sure enough, my test results came back negative for Covid today- rapid and PCR confirming. I should never have wasted my money on this, even though it was the last available home test. It was more worth my time to wait in line at the urgent care. Stay away from this product.

by MeepAsh

I wish I could give zero stars. This product is a SCAM!! Please don’t waste your time and money. I can’t believe they would put a product out there that does NOT work. This test gave me a false positive, I went the next day to get a real test done and it came back negative. I contacted the company to get my money back and they have still not responded. This product is tricking people!! Imagine people who believed it and didn’t go to get a real test done. The product is the worst. And I read the reviews before trying but I didn’t listen, I wanted to give it a second chance. But no, it’s exactly like those other reviews say. Don’t buy it.

EDIT:

They responded to my review telling me to contact them (even though I already did) and they asked me to answer a bunch of questions and I sent it all to them. Since I sent it they STILL have not responded to me!! DO NOT BUY THIS TEST!! IT WILL GIVE YOU A FALSE POSITIVE AND THEN THE COMPANY WILL IGNORE YOU

by Crazycook99

Let’s start off first by saying there’s no need for an at home test to be Bluetooth. Why!? Now we’re throwing electronic waste right in the trash. Pound sand Ellume! The only reason one can think of this is to analyze the data and use it in a positive way, but we all know with tech companies that’s not the truth.

Secondly, the test applicator, where the droplets are inserted, is left open to the air. In any scientific process this is considered an unreliable source due to an uncontrolled environment allowing particulates to enter the test area. For a virus this contagious, there should be an enclosed area after the droppers are inserted. Overall this is definitely a sign that this company is not here to help the general public. One could suspect this was designed specifically by tech companies to profit off then pandemic.

Not to mention the recall of several test applicators. The only way you’ll realize there was a recall of your kit is after you take the test.

by ST0NEYD

Traveling to Mexico next week. Local doctors charge $260 USD for PCR test. Saw this information on my airlines site. I have taken the Abbot BinaxNow test and always had accurate results . So I didn’t blink an eye with purchasing this test from Elume . Dang …. I wish I had read the reviews on EllumeCOVID19HomeTest before making this purchase. The MANY reviews of False Positive results speaks volumes and does portray this product in a positive light. It’s very concerning that these reports are all recent; in recent days . My trip to Mexico will be short . In preparation I have been quarantined. In addition I test regularly. I couldn’t imagine experiencing being on vacation and receiving a False positive test . I WILL be canceling the video monitoring that I just scheduled. I WILL be telling the rest of my group NOT to buy this .

Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement. The MANY reports of False positives is not a good look for this product .

by Ajsvet

Off the bat I’ll just give two stars because EllumeCOVID19HomeTest functions well and the instructions are easy to follow. But that’s the only good thing about this.

During a pandemic, and at this time a major surge in cases, people are going out to get tested for COVID. This test cost $40 and was the only one available at CVS. And only includes one test. I was in a rush so I bought it without looking at it. It’s so expensive because it functions with a Bluetooth connection to give you your results. The test itself? A simple test strip like any rapid test/pregnancy test that reports results with little blue lines. So charge $40 for incredibly unnecessary electronics and plastic when the important part is already easy to read and is a small strip? Shame on you for making this. No one asked for it. No one needs this. What we need is easy access to affordable tests. Buy two tests for $15 anywhere else. Don’t pay $40 for one test just because it has a Bluetooth device in it that pairs with your phone. Ridiculous.

by Aileksia

I’m fully vaccinated and have been extremely careful about COVID-19 because I have asthma. I am going to see my six-month-old niece and when I found this test at the CVS checkout I thought it would give me some extra reassurance before visiting an unvaccinated infant. First surprise: the price. $40 for a one-time-use item. But, okay. Second surprise: EllumeCOVID19HomeTest asks for a *lot* of information. They say repeatedly they’re required to collect all that information, but did it *really* need access to my phone’s location and some of the other info? I don’t know, but again, handed it over because I wanted to feel safe when I hold my niece. Third surprise: there’s a long and mandatory instructional video. Fine, but if you leave the screen for any reason, you’re kicked out entirely, and have to start all over with the personal information form and then the video starts over from the beginning. Good grief. But whatever, finished the video, followed the instructions and finally started the test. Fifteen minutes later, I’m POSITIVE for COVID-19. Spent the night panicking and searching for medical facilities where I could get a professionally run test. Thankfully found one who could see me first thing this morning. Had the test run there… NEGATIVE. So yeah, this is a great idea, and I wish it worked. But as it currently is, DO NOT BUY.

by Annoyed Typer

I want to squash some of the nonsense you are seeing in all the other reviews.

1) I had absolutely zero troubles making this product work. Each step of the process worked as advertised, and the process was easy.

2) This thing is beyond over engineered. There’s no viable reason this thing needs to connect to my phone. I don’t need my results emailed to me. Just give me a plus sign or minus sign like a pregnancy test. All these bells and whistles don’t make your product any better. Many would argue it makes it worse.

3) This test costs $40 DURING A PANDEMIC!!!!! And I’ve got to ask…. WHO CARES? Nobody MADE you buy this product. If there was a cheaper option, go for it. But enough with the one star ratings just because you decided to purchase something when there were cheaper options available. My kid’s school gave me the test for free when mandating I pick her up for a persistent cough. But if I decide to go and buy one for $40, that’s my decision and it would be childish for me to complain about the price after buying it.

4) and take this one with a grain of salt since I can’t prove it. I don’t believe my child’s results were accurate. She’s got all the signs of covid, but her test was negative. Taking her to the doctor tomorrow for a follow up test.

by Rocktopolis

This test does require EllumeCOVID19HomeTest , which includes a short video to watch before collecting sample. Some data is requested, as happens with a lot of apps and websites. The procedure of collecting the sample is simple and minimally uncomfortable. Watching the video and collecting the sample took less than 10 minutes, and I had my result after waiting 15 minutes more. You have to keep your phone less than 3” from the analyzer, which means not picking up your phone during those 15 min. Analyzer must remain flat. After collecting your swab, You need to squeeze 5 drops from a dropper into the analyzer, which is easy. Highly recommended.

by Jwhit135

Been fighting a cold/allergies for a few days after my children started it last week. Kids are Notorious for this stuff. Especially at summer camp or classrooms when there’s a million other kids around so it was nothing out of the ordinary, although i got a bit nervous. I left work because I have been feeling like crap and didn’t want to expose my coworkers. I didn’t feel like making an appointment for a test at all so I asked a pharmacist “what is a good at home Covid test” because im fairly private. After the recommendation I bought it out of my own pocket without taking the rapid through insurance or my veteran benefit. This is mostly because I wanted to have it and only me see the results. $48. It was worth it. It came back negative as I thought it should since this has happened a bunch before with small kids. If my symptoms persist or get worse. I will go to a urgent care clinic but if you do this test right and follow the simple instructions I’m sure it will work just fine for you. I recommend it. I’m not paid or anything I just follow instructions well and most of these comments are most likely people not reading the leaflet or paying attention to what they’re doing when they’re ridiculously simple instructions. Just read everything and I have a feeling this test is accurate. Unless I feel worse tomorrow. Lol

by Beanz191299!

Aside from many reviews saying they got recalled tests, I purchased a test from target and it wasn’t recalled (thank goodness) I followed the instructions, after watching a FULL VIDEO which u can replay, it also goes STEP BY STEP with u as u test . So for those saying it’s complicated—cut it out. Unless u can’t read then yes it’s complicated. Even if u can’t read it also has pictures depicting use. Anyway, I followed the instructions and waited the 15 minutes and got my result. Sadly It says Im Positive but I will confirm with my doctor tomorrow. Sorry you guys are gettin bad batches but if u didn’t this should be a quick and easy way to determine your status! I love how it emailed me the results so I can send to my employer. 5 stars.

by DROSSI58

I have taken the vaccine for COVID-19. But I wasn’t feeling well with a sore throat and body aches. My whole family was in the same boat. So I decided to take the test. Negative were the results for my family and I. My son went to see the doctor and he was told that he had a common cold due to allergies. I’m in the same boat. The test was correct, worked as advertised and had easy to follow instructions.
The only part of the test that is disheartening is all the information you have to give in the beginning. As for the false positives that was given to the other reviewers, even the professional CV-19 testers give false positives and false negatives. Nothing is perfect in this world. If it were, I wouldn’t have an ex wife.

by School Kid Mom

Sometimes you need an official Covid test result that you can email or print out, like for flights or school or work. It is what it is. This test is perfect for that purpose. Yes, you have to input the test-taker’s name and identifying info, plus an email address etc. But the whole thing from start to finish takes like 20 minutes total, and you’re done. Results emailed right to you, ready to present wherever. The fact that you can take the test from home or anywhere there’s an internet connection, anytime, is very convenient. Way, way more convenient that having to make an appointment at a clinic or pharmacy and get yourself there. I would absolutely use this test again, when I need an official result.

by Atzmom12

I was unable to get sound on my iPhone 11. We had to use a different device. Worked fine on that.