Transforming Early TB Detection with AI Technology
In a significant advancement in the health sector, AI-enabled hand-held X-ray machines are proving to be pivotal in the early identification of tuberculosis (TB) in India. According to health experts, these technologies have enabled the nation to diagnose and notify an unprecedented 6.8 lakh patients in a single calendar year.
Of the 6.8 lakh TB cases reported in 2024, 4.29 lakh patients were identified through the public healthcare system, while the remaining 2.5 lakh were notified from private sectors. This surge in numbers reflects the ongoing pan-India 100-Day Intensified Campaign to Eliminate TB, aimed at ramping up efforts to eradicate the disease from the country.
According to the National TB Prevalence Survey conducted by the ICMR in partnership with the Union Health Ministry, X-rays have emerged as a critical screening tool for TB, preventing 42.6% of cases from escaping detection. Dr. Shailendra Bhatnagar, the State Tuberculosis Officer, emphasized the unique capability of these machines to diagnose the airborne disease even in its earliest stages, when typical symptoms may not yet present.
“These X-ray machines are turning out to be game changers in early detection of tuberculosis,” Dr. Bhatnagar noted. Unlike conventional X-ray machines that emit radiation levels around 300 mA, these innovative devices produce only 2-3 mA, making them safer for mass screenings in vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, the machines are capable of screening up to 100 patients each day, particularly in remote areas where access to healthcare is limited, facilitated by mobile Ni-Kshay vans positioned near community centers.
These advanced devices are also critical in detecting TB among high-risk groups, including those with diabetes, smokers, individuals living with HIV, and elderly contacts of TB patients, ensuring comprehensive health monitoring.
Dr. Rajat Chaurasia, the Chief Medical Officer of Siddharth Nagar, highlighted the meticulous approach adopted: symptomatic patients undergo both X-ray and molecular testing, while asymptomatic individuals from identified vulnerable groups are screened via X-ray. If abnormalities are detected, further testing is conducted to confirm TB diagnoses.
Since launching the initiative in December last year, approximately 3.5 crore people have been screened across Uttar Pradesh, leading to the identification of 1.7 lakh TB patients. Dr. Bhatnagar warned about the contagious nature of TB, stating that untreated patients could potentially infect 15 new individuals within a year, perpetuating the cycle of transmission.
Contact tracing is a practice that has gained prominence through the COVID-19 pandemic but has been a longstanding component of TB management strategies. This method focuses on examining family members and close contacts of diagnosed patients for signs of TB, as they are 10 to 60 times more likely to contract the disease, highlighting the importance of early intervention and community health awareness.
Ultimately, Dr. Bhatnagar urged individuals experiencing any symptoms of TB to seek testing without delay, emphasizing that proactive health measures can significantly curb the spread of the disease.
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