AI-Enabled Handheld X-Ray Machines Revolutionise Early Detection of Tuberculosis in India

AI-powered portable X-ray devices are transforming the early detection of Tuberculosis (TB) in India. These machines have enabled the state to diagnose and report 6.8 lakh TB cases in 2024, marking the highest annual notification to date. Of these, 4.29 lakh cases were identified in the public sector, while 2.5 lakh came from the private sector, according to experts.

Dr Shailendra Bhatnagar, a State Tuberculosis Officer, highlighted that these X-ray machines are crucial for early TB detection. "These X-ray machines are turning out to be game changers in early detection of tuberculosis," Dr Bhatnagar stated. The devices emit only 2-3 mA of radiation compared to the 300 mA from standard hospital X-ray machines, making them safer for mass screening.

AI-Enabled X-Ray Devices Enhance Screening

The AI-enabled devices are integral to India's 100-Day Intensified Campaign to Eliminate TB, aiming to speed up efforts against the disease. According to the National TB Prevalence Survey by ICMR and the Union Health Ministry, X-rays are vital for TB screening. Without them, 42.6% of cases might go undetected.

These portable machines are particularly useful in remote areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited. They can screen around 100 patients daily and are often transported using Ni-Kshay vehicles to locations like Ayushman Arogya Mandirs or primary schools in villages.

Targeting High-Risk Groups

The devices also target high-risk groups such as diabetics, smokers, alcoholics, malnourished individuals, people living with HIV, those with a history of TB or COVID-19, the elderly, and household contacts of TB patients. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals undergo screening with these X-ray devices.

Dr Rajat Chaurasia, Chief Medical Officer of Siddharth Nagar, explained that symptomatic individuals receive both X-rays and molecular testing, including sputum examination. Asymptomatic individuals from vulnerable groups undergo X-rays alone. If abnormalities appear on an X-ray, further testing confirms whether TB is present.

Preventive Measures and Contact Tracing

Since December last year, approximately 3.5 crore people have been screened under this campaign in Uttar Pradesh alone, resulting in the detection of 1.7 lakh TB cases. Dr Bhatnagar emphasized that untreated TB patients could infect up to 15 others annually, potentially leading to exponential spread if not addressed promptly.

Contact tracing has long been a part of TB control efforts and involves examining household members and close contacts of diagnosed patients for signs of TB. Even if contacts test negative initially, they may receive preventive treatment after ruling out active disease by a qualified doctor.

This approach aims to curb transmission by identifying and treating potential cases early. Dr Bhatnagar noted that household contacts face a 10-60 times higher risk of contracting TB compared to others.