Artificial intelligence could cut chest X-ray process time, study claims

Researchers have created an artificial intelligence (AI) system they claim can spot abnormalities in chest X-rays and speed up the processing of screenings. The software uses computer vision to recognise radiological abnormalities in X-rays and then suggest how quickly these should be reported by a radiologist. The research from the University of Warwick claims the system could help cut the average delay in receiving an expert opinion from 11 days to less than three. The study, carried out by Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), an academic department of the university, also involved an algorithm that was capable of reading radiological reports, understand the findings and the priority level of the exam. The research, which was carried out through work with Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London, has been published in the journal Radiology.