Innovative AI Tool Developed for Rapid Latent Tuberculosis Screening
AI-powered tool to screen for latent TB
Bangkok Post
Image: Bangkok Post
A new AI-powered tool, developed by Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency and Khon Kaen University, aims to enhance latent tuberculosis screening. The technology could reduce testing time to under an hour, making TB screening more accessible, especially in remote areas.
- 01The project is led by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in collaboration with Khon Kaen University and local health agencies.
- 02The SERS-TB system utilizes Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) combined with AI to analyze blood samples for latent TB.
- 03Testing time is significantly reduced from one or two days to less than one hour, and sometimes only minutes.
- 04The system is designed to improve access to TB screening in communities, particularly in remote areas.
- 05Field demonstrations of the prototype were scheduled for May 24–26 in Roi Et and Khon Kaen.
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A groundbreaking AI-powered tool for screening latent tuberculosis (TB) is being developed by Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in partnership with Khon Kaen University and public health agencies in Health Region 7. This innovative system, known as SERS-TB, combines Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) with AI analysis to detect latent TB in blood samples. Researchers believe this technology is crucial for reducing TB prevalence in Northeast Thailand by 2035. The SERS-TB system employs a nano-structured silver chip to enhance biomolecular signals from blood plasma, allowing for rapid testing. Traditional laboratory methods take one or two days, but this new approach can yield results in under an hour, and sometimes just minutes. Noppadol Nantawong from Nectec emphasized that the tool aims to alleviate healthcare workers' workloads and make TB screening more accessible in communities. Dr. Wipa Reechaipichitkul from Khon Kaen University noted its potential to expedite screening in remote areas. A field demonstration of the prototype was planned for May 24–26 in Roi Et and Khon Kaen, enabling researchers to adapt the technology for real hospital workflows.
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The new screening tool could significantly enhance TB detection rates in underserved regions.
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