Interpreting objective ADHD test reports: A guide to QbCheck

QbCheck is an objective ADHD test designed to help clinicians accurately measure the three core symptoms of ADHD: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Using a computer-based task and real-time activity tracking, QbCheck provides structured data to support diagnosis and treatment decisions, whether in clinic or remotely.

Built on the same foundation as QbTest, QbCheck uses facial recognition technology to monitor patient movement and response patterns, offering a unique view into how ADHD presents in daily life.

Why objective ADHD testing matters more than ever

Diagnosing ADHD can be complex. Traditional methods rely heavily on interviews, observation, and subjective questionnaires which are valuable, but can be inconsistent. Objective testing brings measurable structure to that process.

QbCheck captures quantifiable data on the three core symptom areas of ADHD – hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, and compares that data to a large normative database. This empowers clinicians to:

  • Reduce diagnostic uncertainty
  • Add clinical clarity to borderline or complex cases
  • Provide tangible evidence to support diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Improve communication with families, schools, and other stakeholders

In today's climate of increasing ADHD awareness and demand for faster assessments, objective data isn't just helpful – it's essential.

What QbCheck measures and how it works 

QbCheck is a 20-minute computer-based test designed for people aged 6 to 60. It uses a built-in webcam and facial recognition technology to track a test taker's physical movements and responses to visual stimuli.

QbCheck assess three symptom areas:

  • Hyperactivity – tracked by analyzing movement throughout the test
  • Inattention – measured by how often a user misses or delays responses to target stimuli
  • Impulsivity – identified by premature or incorrect responses

During the test, the user responds to a sequence of visual cues, pressing the spacebar only when instructed. Every movement, click, and pause is recorded and analyzed, then benchmarked against age and sex-matched control groups.

This combination of objective performance data and real-time movement tracking gives clinicians a more comprehensive view of how ADHD symptoms present over time.

How to interpret a QbCheck report 

Once a QbCheck test is completed, clinicians receive a two-page report that combines objective performance data with comparison visuals. This report does not provide a diagnosis, but gives you evidence to support your clinical judgement.

ADHD total symptom score

This summarizes how closely the test taker’s results resemble those of individuals with typical ADHD symptom patterns. It’s presented alongside an indication of how common that score is in the general population, helping you gauge how distinct the test taker’s profile is.

Cardinal parameters: activity, inattention, and impulsivity

These are the three core areas of measurement. Each is benchmarked against a control group matched by age and sex, so you can see exactly where a patient deviates from typical behavior.

Time-based performance graphs

QbCheck breaks the test down into segments (known as quartiles), allowing you to observe whether symptoms like inattention or impulsivity worsen over time, a common pattern in ADHD.

Visual comparisons

Graphs show side-by-side comparisons between the test taker and a matched peer without ADHD. This helps clinicians visualize the gap between typical and symptomatic performance, making it easier to explain findings to patients and parents.

👉 Clinical tip: Watch for a steady increase in omission errors or erratic response times in later quartiles – these patterns often correlate with attention fatigue.

The DSM-5 ADHD symptom checklist in QbCheck 

Alongside objective test data, QbCheck includes the DSM-5 ADHD Symptom Checklist, a rating scale completed by the patient (or a parent/teacher for children), that gives you a subjective view to complement the performance-based results.

Here's how it works

  • The checklist includes all 18 DSM-5 symptoms (9 inattentive and 9 hyperactive/impulsive)
  • Test takers rate how often they’ve experienced each symptom in the past 6 months:
    “Never or rarely”, “Sometimes”, “Often”, “Very often”
  • To meet DSM-5 criteria:
    • Children (6–17) need six or more symptoms rated “often” or “very often” in either category
    • Adults (18+) need five or more in one category

This rating scale is not calculated into the QbCheck score but appears alongside it, allowing clinicians to consider both perspectives when making a diagnostic decision.

💡 Why include both?
Because while objective data tells you what’s happening during the test, the DSM-5 checklist tells you what’s happening in everyday life.

“There are no grey areas. We can be more assertive and understanding of each individual. For example, seeing a patient’s QbCheck score drop from 98 to 3 after taking treatment is immensely gratifying. It’s proof of progress.

“If we didn’t have QbCheck, somebody scored 4 out of 6 on the ASRS and there was more complexity to the case, I’d have to discuss with another consultant. We’d have to revisit all the patient data and would still be left with uncertainty. This could take any number of weeks to conclude.”

 

Carl Ellis
Clinical Team Manager, ADHD 360

How clinicians are using QbCheck in real ADHD pathways 

Across the UK, US, and Europe, clinicians are integrating QbCheck into diagnostic workflows to bring greater clarity and consistency to ADHD assessments.

Real world clinical uses:

  • First-line assessment: Used alongside history taking and rating scales to support diagnostic accuracy
  • Monitoring treatment: Repeat testing shows how attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity change over time
  • Supporting telehealth: Enables evidence-based assessment even when patients cannot attend in person
  • Clarifying borderline cases: When rating scales are inconclusive or symptoms are masked, objective data helps break the tie

QbCheck is used by private practices, NHS services, pediatricians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, virtual care networks, and more, all seeking a structured way to assess ADHD symptoms alongside clinical judgement.

QbCheck vs QbTest: What’s the difference? 

While QbTest and QbCheck are both objective ADHD tests developed by Qbtech, there are key differences in how and where they are used.

Feature QbCheck  QbTest 
Delivery  Remote or in-clinic  In-clinic only 
Equipment  Uses a laptop and built-in webcam  Uses infrared camera and medical-grade equipment 
Age range  6–60 years  6–60 years 
Includes DSM-5 checklist?  Yes  No 
Setup time  Minimal (clinic or home-ready)  Requires onsite setup and training  

 

Why QbCheck?

QbCheck is the most accessible way to bring objective ADHD testing into everyday clinical use, especially when working across multiple sites, serving remote populations, or running a high-demand clinic.

 

Download the QbCheck interpretation guide 

We’ve created a simple, visual guide to help you quickly interpret QbCheck results, perfect for team training, quick reference during assessments, or sharing with stakeholders.

What's inside:

  • Visual breakdown of a QbCheck report
  • What each parameter means and what to look for
  • How the DSM-5 rating scale fits into your assessment
  • Glossary of common report terms

FAQs

What does QbCheck measure in ADHD assessment?

QbCheck objectively measures hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity uses a computer-based task webcam tracking to analyze performance and physical movement during the test.

 

Can QbCheck be used remotely?

Yes. QbCheck is designed for use both in-clinic and remotely, making it ideal for telehealth services or clinics working across multiple locations.

 

How accurate is QbCheck in identifying ADHD symptoms?

QbCheck is not a diagnostic tool on its own, but it provides objective data that supports clinical decision-making. It measures key symptoms – hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, and compares the results to normative data, helping clinicians identify patterns consistent with ADHD.

 

What age group is QbCheck suitable for?

QbCheck is designed for patients aged 6 to 60. It is commonly used for children, adolescents, and adults, and can be adapted to suit in-clinic or remote testing workflows.

 

Can QbCheck be used to monitor ADHD treatment progress?

Yes. QbCheck is frequently used to track changes in symptoms over time, especially in response to medication or behavioral therapy. Repeat testing allows clinicians to assess improvements in attention and activity levels objectively.