Cue Health developed an over-the-counter COVID-19 test that is more reliable than an antigen test. Here's what it's like to use.
High price for each COVID-19 testThe Cue COVID-19 test includes the cartridge and swabbing wand. The wand gets inserted into the cartridge after swabbing both nostrils.The prospect of doing a lab-quality equivalent COVID test at home is intriguing. Even better is that the Cue Reader is highly connected through a mobile device for instructions and a deeper level of help.
Fluids don't need to be mixed, and there's no calibration required with this testing. All the parts are self-contained. If you do need to prove you have recently tested negative, the company offers a Cue+ Complete subscription for"CDC-compliant supervised tests for travel, work, or school." There's more on that below.
So, let's say you're in a similar boat as me and merely want Cue's testing experience at home for convenience. What does that cost? The shortest answer is that Cue+ Essential costs $49.99 a month for a yearly subscription, plus a discounted Cue Reader device at $149. That total comes to about $750 for the year. The Cue+ Complete adds"CDC-compliant supervised tests," which should allow for the results to be verifiable for activities like work and travel.
If you aren't interested in the video access to a doctor or don't need certified test results, you can buy the Cue Reader and tests separately, as a one-time purchase. The Cue Reader and three tests are $474. Three additional tests are $225, equal to $75 each.The five dots on the top of the Cue Reader are used to indicate activity, including the status of a test in progress.The Cue Reader is the main part of this at-home testing. COVID-19 testing is not Cue's only interest, however.