New AI-based test uses X-rays to detect Covid in a few minutes
London, Jan 20: Scientists in Scotland have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) based test that uses X-rays to accurately diagnose COVID-19 in just a few minutes. The testing platform developed by researchers at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is able to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus far more quickly than a PCR test which typically takes around two hours.
The technology can eventually be used to help relieve strain on hard-pressed hospitals, particularly in countries where PCR tests are not readily available, they said. The technique utilises X-ray technology, comparing scans to a database of around 3000 images belonging to patients with COVID-19, healthy individuals and people with viral pneumonia. It then uses an AI process known as deep convolutional neural network, an algorithm typically used to analyse visual imagery, to make a diagnosis.
According
to
the
research
published
in
the
journal
Sensors,
the
technique
proved
to
be
more
than
98
per
cent
accurate
during
an
extensive
testing
phase.
"There
has
long
been
a
need
for
a
quick
and
reliable
tool
that
can
detect
COVID-19,
and
this
has
become
even
more
true
with
the
upswing
of
the
Omicron
variant,"
said
Professor
Naeem
Ramzan
from
UWS,
who
led
the
research.
"Several
countries
are
unable
to
carry
out
large
numbers
of
Covid
tests
because
of
limited
diagnosis
tools,
but
this
technique
utilises
easily
accessible
technology
to
quickly
detect
the
virus,"
Ramzan
said.
The
researchers
noted
that
COVID-19
symptoms
are
not
visible
in
X-rays
during
the
early
stages
of
infection,
so
the
technology
cannot
fully
replace
PCR
tests.
However,
it
can
still
play
an
important
role
in
curtailing
the
viruses
spread
especially
when
PCR
tests
are
not
readily
available,
they
said.
"It could prove to be crucial, and potentially life-saving, when diagnosing severe cases of the virus, helping determine what treatment may be required," Ramzan said. The team now plans to expand the study, incorporating a greater database of X-ray images acquired by different models of X-ray machines, to evaluate the suitability of the approach in a clinical setting. PTI