AI Detects COVID-19 on Chest X-rays More Accurately and 10 Times Faster Than Specialized Radiologists

Algorithm outperformed thoracic radiologists in detecting COVID-19 in new study. Northwestern University researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence (A.I.) platform that detects COVID-19 by analyzing X-ray images of the lungs. Called DeepCOVID-XR, the machine-learning algorithm outperformed a team of specialized thoracic radiologists -- spotting COVID-19 in X-rays about 10 times faster and 1-6% more accurately. The researchers believe physicians could use the A.I. system to rapidly screen patients who are admitted into hospitals for reasons other than COVID-19. Faster, earlier detection of the highly contagious virus could potentially protect health care workers and other patients by triggering the positive patient to isolate sooner.