Back to all news

AI Analyzes Mobile Photos of Film X-rays to Detect Tuberculosis

AuntMinnieIndustry

Researchers showed AI can detect tuberculosis from mobile photos of analog chest x-rays in low-resource settings.

Key Details

  • 1Study used 498 photographed chest x-ray films from Ethiopia and Guinea-Bissau for TB diagnosis comparison.
  • 2AI tool (qXR, Qure.ai) identified 81 TB cases vs. 50 and 99 by two radiologists.
  • 3AI achieved sensitivity of 76.5% and specificity of 85.9% (AUC 0.84) compared with lab-confirmed cases.
  • 4AI performance was comparable to experienced radiologists in detecting TB.
  • 5Study highlights mobile-based AI screening in areas with limited digital imaging resources.
  • 6Moderate inter-reader agreement (kappa = 0.45–0.56) between radiologists and AI.

Why It Matters

This work suggests mobile phone-based AI can bridge diagnostic gaps in TB screening where digital radiology resources are lacking, expanding access to timely diagnosis and care. If validated, this approach could help advance global health initiatives against tuberculosis, particularly in low-income countries.

Ready to Sharpen Your Edge?

Subscribe to join 9,000+ peers who rely on RadAI Slice. Get the essential weekly briefing that empowers you to navigate the future of radiology.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.