Scientists have developed a groundbreaking Covid diagnosis test using X-rays that are able to give a result within minutes and are 98 per cent accurate.
The Artificial Intelligence program was developed by experts at the University of the West of Scotland. It is intended to assist healthcare workers in times when PCR tests may not be readily available.
The programme is able to detect the virus faster than a PCR test – which typically takes around two hours to return a result.
To compare scans with a database that contains close to 3,000 images from patients suffering with Covid and healthy patients as well as patients with viral pneumocolitis, Xray technology is utilized.
Researchers have created a revolutionary Covid diagnostic test that uses X-rays to diagnose the condition. They can give a diagnosis in minutes, and they are 98% accurate. File image
A machine learning algorithm then analyzes visual images to determine if it is a disease. It was found that the technique is 98% correct.
The technology may be utilized to assist emergency personnel at hospitals across the UK.
Three-person project team, including Gabriel Okolo (Director of Affective and Personal Computing for SMART Environments Research Centre UWS), was led by Professor Naem Ramzan.
His comments were: “There was a long time ago a need to have a reliable and quick tool that could detect Covid-19. And this is even more evident with the Omicron variant.
“Many countries cannot perform large quantities of covid testing due to limited diagnostic tools. However, this method uses easily available technology to detect the virus quickly.
In the initial stages of the infection, ‘Covid-19’ symptoms may not be visible on xrays. It is therefore important to remember that PCR testing cannot completely replace the technology.
AI is able detect virus quicker than PCR testing, which can take up to two hours.
However, when PCR testing are unavailable, this can still be a useful tool in preventing the spread of viruses.
“It could be vital and life-saving in diagnosing severe cases, as well as helping to determine the best treatment.
Professor Milan Radosavljevic, Vice President of Research, Innovation and Engagement, UWS, said: “This research could be game-changing.”
It’s yet another illustration of UWS’s purposeful, effective work during the pandemic. This has been a significant contribution to the fight against Covid-19.
“I am extremely proud of the dedication and innovation displayed by internationally-respected academics, who strive to find solutions for urgent global problems.”