ID NOW™ Instrument (formerly Alere™ i) by Abbott

"Very effective, easy to use. Better turnaround time."

"The Alere I is constantly being sent in for service. The touch pad stops working at regular intervals. The mechanical parts of the machine break often. I have the machine for free if I buy test kits. If I had purchased the machine outright I would have been fuming mad."

"This is a great instrument. Wonderful during the flu season. Would love to see a different color than gray for the invalid response it would alert the tech from across the room that there was an issue that they need to address right away. The gray makes them think it is a negative result. This is my only issue with the instrument. Would like to see more testing available on it soon."

"Touch screen is always breaking down but customer service is great. Validity of tests are not as high as others in the industry."

"We use this for Flu testing and will be adding RSV testing. Good value for the patients, more expensive and time consuming for the lab."

"This product has been a very effective tool for our office. It is straightforward to use and walks you through each of the steps with prompts on the machine. This is more accurate than our previous rapid tests for influenza and doesn't take any more time to use than the rapid test as well."

"Very effective for accurate test results. Easy to use, easy to maintain. Customer service is friendly and helpful."

"It is a good instrument to use and provides reliable results"

"Accurate results but set up is too hands on. I love that we get results in 15 minutes."

"Good product. Like that I don't have to decide if the test is positive or not . Don't like that part of Flu test has to be refrigerated takes up lots of space. Have had a few invalid test readings but overall works well"

"Machine gave reliable results yet were too many error codes that made us have to re-test our patients. The cost of the test was hard for our patients with high deductible insurance plans."

"The ALER I flu procedure has certainly made a positive impact on our situation - it is easy and quick with accurate results - what more could you ask for!"

"Our installation process was rushed due to our clinic being short staffed and the trainer had another appointment. Our nurses are still having frequent invalid test error. We have requested additional training but have not received this. The cost per test is high when it frequently takes 2 tests and sometimes we still have to run a test with our regular kit testing."

"This instrumental approach to testing saves time and eliminates human error, we just love the convenience!"

"I like the Alere i but I think personally it wastes time. It takes too long. It is more accurate than the paper test but when your in a multi Dr office with six assistant trying to do machines at same time it is crazy."

"Easy to use. Did have an issue with alere equipment but had great help and fast replacement service."

"Very good analyzer and very easy to use. The Tech Support agents are fast to answer our concerns and no waiting period."

"The machine is easy to use. Sometimes we have invalid results. Good value for the cost though"

"We feel during the last flu season we were able to pick up positive flu on patients at a rate more like the state averages by switching to Alere I from the immunochomagraphic kits we used prior!! Also reimbursement was better for our facility."

"The equipment is very easy to use and is very effective and fast."

"Overall, the product is user friendly. Have had to replace the machines several times due to malfunctions. Twice when we received a replacement, I had to get a replacement for the brand new ones due to malfunction. Our office has had several invalid results which in turn costs the office money. Kits are expensive and reimbursement is not always enough to cover cost of test kits."

"Reliable, quick results. Very easy to use. Easy specimen collection. Awesome support."

"I really like the alere I. It is very easy to use and gives great results. I like that I can give results that I feel completely comfortable with. the instrument was very easy to train others to use. the way all the parts fit together for disposal is great. the onscreen instructions are easy to follow. it is really hard to not perform the test properly and the results come very quickly compared to other molecular systems."

"Nice piece of equipment. Works well and is easy to use. We use the laser reader to push buttons on the LCD screen -- works well."

"I think it is pretty easy to use. We have had to replace the alere machines a few times due to touch screen issues so I think this could use some investigation to determine the reasoning but overall easy to use!"

"We get error messages regularly to the point that I feel the machines are unreliable. The molecular tests may be more accurate but the linear flow tests are more reliable, in my opinion."

"We have found that the Alere I drastically improved the accuracy of our CLIA- waived rapid strep A Testing."

"The testing cartridges were very confusing for my staff, especially when we are using similar testing materials for the Strep test. I can't quantify how much of the testing supplies were wasted because the staff grabbed the wrong supply. I don't think much was done to differentiate the testing materials. In addtion, the reimbursement was low. I actually lost money doing these tests in my office."

"The machine is easy to use. It explains every step very well. My issue with this machine is reliability. The software has a tendency to freeze and the only way to finish the test was to start over. We went through many tests that were not needed because of that. The reagent cartridges are expensive and we had a lot of waste that way. I like the machine as far as ease of use."

"The Alere is user friendly but the completion is lengthly."

"HIV too many false positive results for antigen. Influenza A and B - ok just not ideal."

"I highly recommend the Alere i for Influenzae A and B testing--answers within minutes from a nasal swab, amazing! The RSV testing is even better with a positive results in less than half the time from a negative result! Quick answers and easy to use!"

"Instrument is really easy to use, reliable results, fast turnaround times for ER testing. The only issue is the instrument itself is less than robust as far as reliability is concerned. We have a backup instrument, and I would recommend anyone using this system to have a backup. This is a great little molecular testing instrument, and I am anxiously awaiting further assay development."

"Love the ease of use. Unfortunately the masshealth does not cover this to the point that was originally thought so we do not use it on them but we do use it for commercial on STREP test, Flu and RSV we use it for all."

"This is a very nice instrument. Easy to use and give us they quality results we need."

"The fact that it is CLIA-waived is a big draw. The "fool-proof" color and shape-specific pieces for each step make it look like it can't be done wrong. Wrong. Most of the "trained" users have managed to fail to get the pieces put together correctly, and we have wasted most of the reagent while failing to get test results. That being said, when a result is produced, we have every reason to trust it is accurate. We got rid of it in favor of a Cobas LIAT instead."

"Very easy to use with results we can trust. It is fast and efficient and our clients appreciate this!"

"After getting all staff on board with performing the test correctly and consistently, we no longer have very many invalids and the amount of false negatives is almost non-existent."

"Alere I molecular instrument for Strep A and Flu A/B testing is easy to use, less steps than our current equipment and more accurate than our current analyzer. The no confirmation strep A will be a great benefit for our patients from a financial perspective as well as a time saving perspective to receive faster treatment if needed."

"Our office is fairly new to Alere. We have had some apprehensions due to the wait time for each test and how it worked. We had a rep who came to our office and demonstrated how to properly use this machine. Fairly easy to use and I like the way it takes you step by step on how to use just in case you forget :) Also like the collection process -less is more! We will be using Alere for other tests done in office. At the moment influenza is the test being ran. Time frame for testing is the same we were using with another product. Difference is how we swab (less is more) and should be more accurate. As for reimbursement rates -that is yet to be seen."

"As a Medical Assistant it has made my job a little bit easier as I no longer has to second guess the test strip for Strep throat and as a parent getting a result on a Friday and not have to wonder all weekend if my child has strep and come to find out Monday they did has been a blessing."

"We use this analyzer in multiple locations. In our main lab, with medical technologists as the operators, we have very little to zero issues with it. However, in our physician offices, with nurses as the operators, there are a lot more problems. Clearly it's an operator issue, but I would say "ease of use" could be better since it's problematic for non-laboratorians. Making sure the orange button fully engages and disengages seems to be one of the main issues, even after multiple trainings and re-trainings. The other problem is they go months at a time not using it, when we're out of flu season, so every year it requires training all over again because they forget."

"Very reliable testing and more accurate results with this method. After purchase service and training was excellent and all issues are easily resolved. Very easy to used."

"I am pleasantly surprised at it's ease of use. It shows you step by step with pictures how to run tests. So far it has proven quite accurate as well."

"It is very effective and reliable, we use it everyday. It is very easy to use because the instructions are on the screen in writing and in video. We have had to call customer service and the help was excellent."

"Very satisfied with machine, easy to use, like that we get results immediately"

"Amazing product, excellent support!!! Wouldn't use anything else!!!"

"Alere i is easy to use and gives you a quick result."

"Extremely user friendly, Accurate results, Service and after purchase care is excellent"

"It is easy to use, and the results are accurate. It is a quality back up to our bigger analyzers."

"Only difficulty was the relatively high number of "failed " tests. our medical assistants have gotten much better at running the flu test. never had the same issue with the strep test"

"Alere has provided a valuable testing platform that every facility can afford. The ability to provide molecular testing, no matter what your facility size, has made early detection possible. Patients can begin treatment right away. Providers can use good antibiotic stewardship by treating based on test results. Its a win / win for both provider and patient."

"The Alere i has been a great tool in our lab. Great results quickly. The sensitivity is fantastic, we have picked up positive results where kit testing was unable to. The on screen animations and prompts are fantastic, making usage very simple. Our sales rep has been great, hands on sessions as well as help getting the analyzer up and running. We are looking forward to rumored future testing as this will help us greatly in the future."

"The Alere technology provides reliable, accurate results in a very short time period. We previously tested using an EIA methodology and were very disappointed with the results. The Alere is very user friendly and virtually maintenance free."

"The instruction & set up by the Alere representative is very professional and easy to understand. Makes repeat set up and testing much faster & easier for staff."

"Very easy to use for all technologists, we have never missed a CAP proficiency sample, outstanding customer support."

"The machine is easy to use with little to no up keep. Results are pretty quick and easy to interpret. Does not require a lot of training and the step by step video instructions make it idea for seasonal testing. You don't really have to brush up to much on the procedure so you are ready to go from the first flu to the last flu. The only aspect of the machine I have had trouble with is the touch screen. They tend to die out after a while and there really isn't a way to fix them besides calling and getting a new one. Not that this is difficult as they make the process super simple and fairy quick."

"We absolutely hated this instrument. Was not reliable. Was useless in the urgent care setting."

"The machine is accurate, easy to use and fast results"

"The instrument is quite easy to use, tech support is available24/7 and reagents are easy to order and shipment is timely."

"Easy to use with high quality results. A definite upgrade over previous testing platform."

"The influenza testing is very effective and accurate with early symptomatic patients. The testing is user friendly yet time consuming with warming the machine and waiting on the result to finalize. We love the accuracy!"

"This instrument is exceptionally easy to use. Results are consistent and reproducible, as long as all the manufacturer's instructions are followed. A great value for molecular testing."

"We have used the Alere i in our office for over a year and we absolutely love it! It is user friendly and gives accurate results. Parents really value knowing if their child has actual influenza, and not having to go to the hospital lab to find out. It is also nice that they leave our office with results, no call backs the next day. Collecting a sample is easy, even on the smallest patients. I cannot imagine going through an influenza season without this test. Our office loves the technology so much that we are starting strep and RSV testing next week. Our staff is beyond thrilled to stop running throat cultures any more. This will be a huge time saver for us and allow us to better treat patients with strep throat. Every office should have an Alere i!"

"Reimbursement has been very good so even though the tests are more expensive, we have seen higher profits with this flu test compared with other quick tests. The customer service is quick, even willing to send reps into our office to help set up and trouble shoot the equipment. The downside is that the machine is very sensitive. We have experienced significant difficulty with invalid tests - over 15%. Reports have been run from our machines and the company still wasn't able to help us figure out the reason why."

"The machine itself is easy to use, the warm up time could be better and the amount of time it takes to test but overall machine is user friendly."

"I love this product. I find it to be accurate and efficient."

"We use the alere I for strep, flu and rsv. The machine is easy to use and gives reliable results. What I like most about the technology is for a rapid waived test the results are not questionable. What I like the least about it is the amount of space the kits take up."

"Easy to use, but very touchy. Invalids occur very easily with minor mistakes. Lots of waste. Customer service is great, easy 2 day replacement when needed. Accurate Results! I wish the alarm was louder when testing is complete."

"We use the Alere-i to perform molecular testing to replace test kits that didn't have the sensitivity of a molecular platform. The TAT is a good fit for ED patients and has been an good addition to our lab."

"Very reliable quick test at the office very easy to use and accurate"

"Machine is easy to work, takes to long to get result other than that we like machine"

"We wish that the strep A test did not require a strep culture to verify negative results from the analyzer. There are a few test systems that do not require this culture followup which is great for the user end of things. We know that we can perform a study to prove or disprove moving away from this culture but just a thought that would please the customer and have advantages over other companies with similar test systems. Also, we are not a fan of the walk away then come back 3 minutes later type of set up. With todays technology many things are indeed "walk away". It is not that hard to set a timer and come back to do the rest of the testing but when you work in a busy lab that is only staffed with 1 tech 70% of the time. It makes it hard to be everywhere at once. If we could just load and go. That would be optimal. Just a thought."

"Us nurses are not happy with this machine most days. We get too many invalid results which wastes our money and time! Doctors want results asap, not after trying 2-3 times. We have tried so many times on some patients that we have to re-swab them! That is inconvenient all around!!"

"The machine is fairly easy to use, there are a few staff members who don't push the cartridge all the way down and then it doesn't tell you that you have done it incorrectly until the 10 minutes is up. It would be nice if it just wouldn't run the test and tell you that right then. I do love that the swab is only nasal, however, rather than nasopharyngeal. The patients appreciate that as well."

"The Alere i is super easy to use. My favorite part about the instrument is that it walks you through each step of the process with pictures. The results are fast and reliable. The cartridges are a little bit pricey is the only draw back."

"This product is extremely easy to use and highly accurate. It is pretty quick results and very effective in day to day use. The only downside is insurance does not always reimburse well. Some insurances don't even make up the cost of the test."

"It is easy to use and the results are reproducible. Get quick service or help if issues arise. When we needed one replaced, it was sent out that day so we were not down for any length of time. The woman who came to set them up at all of our sites was professional and very helpful. Did not have any major surprises after we were on our own (running without trainer). Well made so we have only had to replace one or two over the years."

"I wish it had CO-Ox capability. I love the ease of use."

"We use the instruments but become frustrated sometimes with the "invalid" results and also that we have to replace them so often because the touch screen doesn't work. We have a total of about 15 machines and I think most of them have been sent in for replacement. They sometimes make grinding noises and we have had to replace a couple machines because the motor no longer works properly."

"Extremely accurate and have not had one culture come out to disprove results."

"Have problems with getting error messages when testing for flu. Also, reimbursement is not as good on these tests."

"As a POL manager, we had several nursing and laboratory staff using the instrument, the number of steps to perform the test along with high incidence of invalids caused us to stop using this instrument. Even after contacting technical services and sending in information from the instrument, the answer we received that we were having "pipetting" issues. With so many different users resulting in the same error, to me that is due to the testing procedure or kit issue."

"We use this the Alere-i instrument to perform Group A Streptococcus and Influenza A&B Molecular Testing. I am impressed with the ease of use and the reliability of results. We had trouble with the touchscreen and Alere sent a replacement instrument overnight without question. The sales staff and customer representatives are friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. The results are quick and reliable. I would recommend this instrument to other small hospital laboratories that do limited molecular testing."

"Alere i is a CLIA waived test that easy to use. The integrated, rapid, and simple characteristics of the Alere i Influenza A&B assay make it a very good candidate for point of care testing. It's turnaround time is quite good, but for us when both an influenza A&B and a Strep is ordered it does take a little bit longer than other rapid tests. The Alere i utilizes NEAR technique to detect and distinguish influenza virus A and influenza virus B. It is a novel isothermal-amplification-based integrated system for detection and differentiation of influenza virus. It is rapid and quite user-friendly procedure with a time from specimen collection to results of less than 15 min, including the 21 min hands-on time, but the time is extended when for us as our controls are done date of testing not daily. The Alere i Influenza A&B serves us as an alternative to our rapid influenza antigen detection tests with significantly improved sensitivity. It has the advantage of a significantly shorter test time than any other currently available molecular assay. The simple pipette free procedure runs on a fully integrated, closed system. It also has a small footprint and is CLIA waived."

"Very easy to use to get the molecular platform. Training was easy as well."

"Instrument is so easy to use and easy to train new users on. Troubleshooting with the company has been a positive experience, though it did take awhile for our data to be analyzed. The only issue we ever had was determined to be from improper collection (collecting samples with too much mucous interfered with testing). The step-by-step instructions on the screen are great and really help the user test, especially those who may not use the instrument very often. The training documents are great and the pre-prepared SOPs and IQCPs made it easy to implement in our lab. We have had it for over a year and love it."

"It is fairly easy to use, helps with diagnosing and treatment, but not being re-imbursed"

"Gives accurate results, very easy to use with step by step instructions on analyzer. Love the barcode reader and printout, this makes it extremely easy for patient ID and resulting. Very sensitive and specific."