Key Takeaways
- QbCheck is an FDA-cleared, computer-based objective test that measures the three core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity through a combined continuous performance task and motion tracking system.
- The test takes approximately 15-20 minutes and can be administered in a clinical setting or, in some cases, remotely under professional supervision.
- QbCheck results are compared against a normative database of age- and gender-matched controls, providing statistical data to support clinical decision-making.
- QbCheck is not a standalone diagnostic tool; it supplements clinical interviews, behavioral rating scales, and other components of a comprehensive ADHD evaluation.
- Clinical validation studies have reported sensitivity and specificity rates of approximately 85-90%, making QbCheck one of the most validated objective ADHD assessment tools available.
How We Validated This Information
This article draws on information from the Qbtech official product documentation, FDA 510(k) clearance records (K190726), and peer-reviewed clinical validation studies published in psychiatric and neuropsychological journals. We cross-referenced manufacturer claims with independent research findings and reviewed guidelines from the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on ADHD diagnostic best practices. All statistical data regarding test accuracy, administration time, and clinical utility reflect the most current published evidence as of April 2026. This content was reviewed by professionals specializing in psychiatry, ADHD assessment, and neuropsychology.
What Is QbCheck and How Does It Work?
QbCheck is an FDA-cleared (Class II medical device) objective testing tool developed by Qbtech, a Swedish medical technology company, specifically designed to support the assessment of ADHD. Unlike subjective behavioral rating scales that rely on self-report or observer questionnaires, QbCheck provides quantifiable, objective data on the three hallmark symptom domains of ADHD:
- Inattention - Measured through omission errors (failing to respond to target stimuli) and reaction time variability.
- Impulsivity - Measured through commission errors (responding when no target stimulus is present) and premature responses.
- Hyperactivity - Measured through infrared motion tracking that records the test-taker's physical movements during the task.
The Technology Behind QbCheck
QbCheck integrates two established measurement approaches into a single testing paradigm:
Continuous Performance Testing (CPT): The cognitive component presents a series of visual stimuli on a computer screen. The test-taker is instructed to respond (typically by pressing the spacebar) when a specific target stimulus appears and to withhold responses for non-target stimuli. This paradigm has been used in ADHD research for decades and is well-validated for measuring sustained attention and response inhibition.
Infrared Motion Tracking: While the cognitive task is being performed, a webcam equipped with infrared technology tracks the test-taker's head and body movements. This provides an objective measure of motor activity that does not depend on subjective observation or self-report. The motion data is captured at high frequency, allowing precise quantification of movement patterns, including frequency, amplitude, and variability of physical displacement.
What Makes QbCheck Different from Other ADHD Tests?
Several features distinguish QbCheck from traditional ADHD assessment methods:
| Feature | QbCheck | Behavioral Rating Scales | Traditional CPTs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objectivity | High (measured directly) | Low (subjective report) | Moderate |
| Measures hyperactivity | Yes (motion tracking) | Indirectly via questionnaires | No |
| Administration time | 15-20 minutes | 10-30 minutes per form | 14-25 minutes |
| Normative comparison | Age/gender-matched | Age/gender norms | Varies by test |
| Remote administration | Possible (with supervision) | Self-administered | Typically in-clinic |
| Immediate results | Yes (automated scoring) | Manual scoring needed | Varies |
| FDA clearance | Yes | No (not a device) | Some |
The QbCheck Testing Process: What to Expect
Understanding what happens during a QbCheck session can help reduce anxiety and ensure accurate results.
Before the Test
- Your healthcare provider will explain the purpose of the test and what it involves.
- You may be asked about your current medications. Some providers prefer testing both on and off ADHD medication to assess treatment response.
- Avoid excessive caffeine or stimulant/depressant substances before testing unless specifically instructed otherwise.
- Ensure you are well-rested, as fatigue can significantly affect test performance.
During the Test
The QbCheck administration follows a standardized protocol:
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Setup (2-3 minutes): The administrator positions the computer and webcam, calibrates the motion tracking system, and provides instructions. The webcam is positioned to capture your upper body movements.
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Practice round (1-2 minutes): A brief practice session ensures you understand the task. The administrator confirms comprehension before proceeding.
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Test administration (15 minutes): The main test consists of a continuous performance task where colored shapes or symbols appear on screen one at a time. You press the spacebar only when a specific target appears (e.g., a red circle above a white line) and withhold your response for all other stimuli.
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Completion and preliminary results: The system immediately generates a report comparing your performance to the normative database.
Throughout the test, the infrared camera records your movements. You are instructed to sit as still as possible, but the system captures any natural fidgeting, shifting, or restlessness. This is precisely the data the test is designed to measure.
After the Test
The QbCheck report is not a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your complete clinical evaluation, which typically includes:
- Clinical interviews covering developmental history, current symptoms, and functional impairment
- Behavioral rating scales (such as the Conners Rating Scales, Vanderbilt Assessment, or ASRS for adults)
- Review of school or work performance records
- Consideration of other possible explanations for symptoms (differential diagnosis)
- Medical history review to rule out other conditions
Understanding QbCheck Results
The QbCheck report presents results in a standardized format that compares the test-taker's performance to a normative database. Here is how to interpret the key components:
The Three Symptom Domain Scores
Each of the three core symptom domains (inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity) receives a score based on multiple measured parameters:
Inattention Parameters:
- Omission errors: Number of missed target stimuli
- Reaction time: Average speed of correct responses
- Reaction time variability: Consistency of response speed across the test
Impulsivity Parameters:
- Commission errors: Number of responses to non-target stimuli
- Anticipation errors: Responses given before sufficient stimulus processing time
Hyperactivity Parameters:
- Total movement: Overall amount of physical displacement
- Movement complexity: Patterns and micro-movements during the task
- Time spent in motion: Percentage of test duration with detectable movement
The QbCheck Plot
Results are typically displayed on a standardized plot where each of the three symptom domains is represented on an axis. The test-taker's results are plotted alongside the normative range (typically shown as a shaded area representing one or two standard deviations from the mean for their age and gender group). Results falling outside the normative range suggest atypical performance in that domain.
Sensitivity and Specificity
According to clinical validation studies submitted to the FDA and published in peer-reviewed journals:
- Sensitivity (ability to correctly identify individuals with ADHD): approximately 85-90%
- Specificity (ability to correctly identify individuals without ADHD): approximately 85-90%
It is important to understand that these statistics come from clinical populations and may differ in general community settings. No single test achieves 100% accuracy, which is why QbCheck is designed to be used as part of a comprehensive evaluation rather than as a standalone diagnostic tool.
Who Should Consider QbCheck Testing?
QbCheck may be particularly useful in several clinical scenarios:
Children and Adolescents
The FDA clearance covers individuals ages 6 and older. QbCheck can be especially valuable for pediatric assessments where subjective reports from parents and teachers may conflict or where the child's self-awareness of symptoms is limited. The objective nature of the test provides additional data that is not influenced by parental expectations or teacher biases.
Adults Seeking Diagnosis
Adult ADHD diagnosis can be complicated by the fact that many adults have developed compensatory strategies that mask symptoms in clinical interviews. QbCheck provides objective data that can reveal underlying attention and impulse control difficulties that might not be apparent through self-report measures alone.
Treatment Monitoring
QbCheck can be administered both before starting medication and after medication has taken effect to objectively measure treatment response. This is one of its most clinically valuable applications, as it provides quantifiable data on whether medication is improving the specific cognitive and behavioral functions targeted by treatment.
Complex or Unclear Cases
When clinical evaluations produce ambiguous results, such as inconsistent reports between raters, comorbid conditions that mimic ADHD symptoms, or a history that does not clearly fit diagnostic criteria, QbCheck provides additional objective data to help clarify the diagnostic picture.
QbCheck vs. Other Objective ADHD Tests
QbCheck is one of several FDA-cleared objective ADHD assessment tools. Understanding how it compares to alternatives can help patients and providers make informed decisions.
| Feature | QbCheck | QbTest (in-clinic) | TOVA | Quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motion tracking | Webcam-based infrared | Dedicated motion tracking system | None | Head-mounted sensor |
| Setting | Clinic or remote (supervised) | In-clinic only | In-clinic | In-clinic |
| Test duration | 15-20 min | 15-20 min | 21.6 min | 15 min |
| Age range | 6+ years | 6+ years | 4+ years | 6+ years |
| Measures hyperactivity | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Remote capability | Yes (with changes) | No | No | No |
| FDA clearance | Yes (K190726) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The primary advantage of QbCheck over its predecessor QbTest is the webcam-based approach, which eliminates the need for specialized in-clinic motion tracking hardware. This makes the test more accessible and, in some cases, allows for supervised remote administration.
Cost and Availability
Cost of QbCheck Testing
The cost of QbCheck varies depending on the healthcare provider, geographic location, and insurance coverage. Typical ranges include:
- Without insurance: $150 to $400 per test administration
- With insurance: May be partially or fully covered depending on your plan and medical necessity documentation
- Medicare/Medicaid: Coverage varies by state and plan; prior authorization may be required
Many providers include the cost of QbCheck as part of a comprehensive ADHD evaluation package rather than billing it separately.
Availability
QbCheck is available through:
- Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners
- Pediatricians with ADHD assessment training
- Neuropsychologists
- Specialized ADHD clinics
- Some university psychology departments
The test requires a trained administrator and the QbCheck software platform. Not all healthcare providers offer objective ADHD testing, so you may need to specifically seek out clinics that advertise QbCheck or similar computer-based assessment tools.
Limitations and Considerations
While QbCheck provides valuable objective data, it has important limitations:
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It is not a standalone diagnostic tool. No single test can diagnose ADHD. QbCheck must be interpreted alongside clinical interviews, behavioral observations, rating scales, and developmental history.
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Results can be affected by external factors. Sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, medication effects, substance use, and effort level can all influence test performance. These confounding factors must be considered when interpreting results.
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The normative database has limitations. While QbCheck uses age- and gender-matched norms, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic factors may not be fully represented in the database, potentially affecting the accuracy of comparisons for some individuals.
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False positives and false negatives occur. Even with sensitivity and specificity rates of 85-90%, a meaningful percentage of results will be inaccurate. This is why the test is designed to supplement, not replace, clinical judgment.
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Not all ADHD presentations are equally detected. QbCheck may be more sensitive to the combined presentation of ADHD (with both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms) than to the predominantly inattentive presentation, which may manifest differently on objective measures.
The Bottom Line
The QbCheck ADHD test represents a significant advancement in objective ADHD assessment technology. By combining a continuous performance task with infrared motion tracking in a brief, standardized 15-20 minute test, QbCheck provides quantifiable data on the three core symptom domains of ADHD: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Its FDA clearance, strong validation data, and ability to compare results against age- and gender-matched normative data make it a valuable tool in the ADHD diagnostic process.
However, it is critical to understand that QbCheck is one component of a comprehensive ADHD evaluation. It does not replace clinical interviews, behavioral rating scales, developmental history review, or differential diagnosis considerations. The test's true value lies in its ability to provide objective, supplementary data that helps clinicians make more informed diagnostic and treatment decisions.
If you are pursuing an ADHD evaluation for yourself or your child, ask your healthcare provider whether objective testing tools like QbCheck are available and appropriate for your situation. The combination of subjective clinical assessment and objective testing data provides the most thorough and accurate basis for ADHD diagnosis and treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is QbCheck and how is it used for ADHD testing?
QbCheck is an FDA-cleared, computer-based medical device that objectively measures the three core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It combines a continuous performance task (responding to specific visual stimuli) with infrared motion tracking via webcam to capture both cognitive and motor responses. The test takes approximately 15-20 minutes and results are compared to a normative database of age- and gender-matched controls to help clinicians assess whether an individual's performance is consistent with ADHD patterns.
How accurate is the QbCheck ADHD test?
Clinical validation studies have reported sensitivity and specificity rates of approximately 85-90% for QbCheck. This means the test correctly identifies about 85-90% of individuals who have ADHD (sensitivity) and correctly rules out about 85-90% of those who do not (specificity). However, no test is 100% accurate, and results can be influenced by factors such as sleep quality, anxiety, medication, and effort level. QbCheck is designed to be used alongside clinical evaluation, not as a standalone diagnostic tool.
Can QbCheck diagnose ADHD by itself?
No. QbCheck is not a standalone diagnostic tool and cannot diagnose ADHD on its own. The FDA clearance specifies that it is an aid in the assessment of ADHD. A comprehensive ADHD diagnosis requires clinical interviews, behavioral rating scales, developmental history review, consideration of other possible conditions (differential diagnosis), and professional clinical judgment. QbCheck provides objective supplementary data that supports the diagnostic process.
How much does a QbCheck test cost?
The cost of QbCheck testing typically ranges from $150 to $400 per administration without insurance, though some providers include it as part of a comprehensive evaluation package. Insurance coverage varies widely; some plans cover it when medically necessary documentation is provided, while others may not. Medicare and Medicaid coverage varies by state. Contact your insurance provider and the testing clinic for specific cost information.
Is QbCheck suitable for adults being tested for ADHD?
Yes. QbCheck is FDA-cleared for use with individuals ages 6 and older, which includes adults. Objective testing can be particularly valuable for adults because many have developed compensatory strategies that may mask symptoms during clinical interviews. QbCheck can reveal underlying attention and impulse control difficulties that might not be readily apparent through self-report measures alone, providing additional objective data to support the diagnostic process.
How should I prepare for a QbCheck test?
To get the most accurate QbCheck results, ensure you are well-rested and have had adequate sleep the night before testing. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding medications; some providers want to test both on and off ADHD medication. Avoid excessive caffeine or other stimulants unless specifically instructed otherwise. Arrive on time and be prepared for a 15-20 minute computer-based task. If testing a child, reassure them that the test is not a pass/fail exam but simply a way to understand how their brain works.