2023-12-04 07:58:47
AI Program Proves to be Effective in Covid-19 Diagnosis
In low resource settings where laboratory access is limited, researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) program that has proven to be more sensitive in diagnosing Covid-19 compared to antigen rapid tests. The program, which combines an X-ray of the lungs with Point Of Care (POC) blood tests, has shown promising results in a study conducted in African regions where access to PCR tests is a challenge.
The AI program, described by scientists Keelin Murphy and Bram van Ginneken of Radboud university medical center, has been tested at four locations in Africa. The study involved more than 3,500 participants, and the results were published in Scientific Reports.
The program uses X-ray data combined with POC blood tests, such as white blood cell count and C-reactive protein levels, to create a more sensitive diagnosis of Covid-19. The researchers found that the AI program was more accurate in diagnosing Covid-19 compared to antigen rapid tests, making more correct positive diagnoses.
“This is the first study to validate AI methods for COVID-19 detection in an African setting. It shows that screening for COVID-19 using AI and point-of-care blood tests is feasible and may be more sensitive than antigen tests,” the researchers wrote.
The AI program has the potential to fill the gap in regions where PCR tests are not available due to lack of resources and people. It offers a reliable alternative to traditional antigen rapid tests and may prove to be a valuable tool in diagnosing Covid-19 in medically less-resourced regions.
In addition to diagnosing Covid-19, researchers note that the AI program may also eventually be suitable for tuberculosis diagnoses in similar low-resource settings.
The findings of the study have shed light on the effectiveness of AI methods in Covid-19 diagnosis and point to the potential of technology in addressing healthcare challenges in resource-constrained regions.]
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