India has a powerful technology — AI-assisted chest X-ray — to screen presumptive TB cases. The AI algorithm (qXR), which was developed by the Mumbai-based Qure.ai, can help in early detection of people with presumptive TB disease in less than a minute, including people with subclinical TB. As per the 2019-2021 National TB prevalence survey in India report, nearly 43% of TB cases would have been missed if a chest X-ray was not included.
When used at scale for population-based screening or at least for targeted screening, the AI software combined with molecular tests for TB disease confirmation can vastly increase detection rates. Systematic screening for TB disease for early diagnosis is one of the main End TB strategies.
The qXR software got the European CE certification early this year. The Indian drug regulator too has cleared it a few months ago. The qXR was one of the three AI algorithms that the WHO had referenced to when updating the TB screening guidelines in March 2021. In 2021, WHO recommended the use of CAD products which use the AI to automate interpretation of digital chest X-rays for TB screening and triage in people older than 15 years.
