Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do tasks that are usually done by humans because they require human intelligence and discernment.

I. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) based chest X-Ray technique

An AI based chest X-Ray technique was recently developed by researchers from Indian Institutes of Technology Jodhpur (IIT-J). This chest X-Ray technique will be used for Covid-19A screening.

Team of researchers have proposed a deep learning-based algorithm called COMiT-Net. This algorithm will learn the abnormalities present in chest X-Ray images for differentiating non-covid affected lung from Covid affected lung. Experiment for developing the technology was performed with more than 2,500 chest X-Ray images. It achieved about 96.80 per cent sensitivity. AI solution used in this research is explainable from both medical as well as algorithmic points of view.

This technology was found to be capable of accurately diagnosing Covid-19 in just few minutes. It was far quicker than a PCR test, which usually takes around 2 hours and having 98 per cent accuracy. AI-based X-Ray technique cannot completely replace PCR tests because, Covid-19 symptoms are not visible in X-rays at early stages of infection. However, it will play a significant role in curtailing the spread of viruses spread.

Countries have faced challenges with limited availability of processing centres in remote areas and testing kits, amid increasing number of Covid-19 cases across multiple waves worldwide. Limited availability motivated the researchers to develop alternative, reliable, faster and easily accessible methods of testing.

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

RT-PCR is a laboratory technique, that combines reverse transcription of RNA into DNA. It also amplifies specific DNA targets using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This technique is primarily used for measuring the amount of specific RNA. It is achieved by monitoring amplification reaction using fluorescence.

II. AI-based tech to help detect Covid with X-ray images

ARTPARK (AI & Robotics Technology Park), a not-for-profit foundation established by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, with support from the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India, in collaboration with Bangalore based HealthTech startup Niramai and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has developed XraySetu specifically designed to identify COVID positive patients even from low-resolution Chest X-Ray images sent over Whatsapp. 

A new AI-driven platform will now help early intervention through rapid screening of COVID 19 with the help of Chest X-ray interpretation over WhatsApp for doctors who have access to X-ray machines. The solution called XraySetu can work with low-resolution images sent via mobiles, is quick and easy to use, and can facilitate detection in rural areas.

To conduct the health check, any doctor simply needs to visit www.xraysetu.com and click on the ‘Try the Free XraySetu Beta’ button. The platform will then redirect the person to another page, wherein he or she can choose to engage with the WhatsApp-based chatbot via web or smartphone application. Or the doctor can simply send a WhatsApp message to the phone number +91 8046163838 to start the XraySetu service. Then they just need to click the picture of the patient’s X-ray and obtain the 2-page automated diagnostics with annotated images in a few minutes. While extending the probability of the COVID-19 contraction, the report also highlights a localized heatmap for a quick perusal of the doctor. 

Tested and validated with over 1,25 000 X-ray images from National Institute of Health, UK, as well as over 1000+ Indian COVID patients from, XraySetu, has shown excellent performance with Sensitivity: 98.86%, and Specificity: 74.74%.