A new sub-variant of Omicron Covid is now spreading throughout the nation.
20.01.2022 - 19:53 / dailyrecord.co.uk
Scots scientists have developed "groundbreaking" X-ray technology that can detect Covid infection in 'just a few minutes'.
Experts at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) say that the “state of the art” technology scans patients before comparing the results with a database of 3,000 images that belong to people infected with the virus, health individuals and people with visual pneumonia.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) then analyses each of the images before making a diagnosis.
It is claimed the process is much quicker than that of a PCR test, which takes around two hours to complete.
The UWS has also said that the technology has proved to be be more than 98 per cent accurate following extensive training.
Scientists hope that the technology will be used to help relieve strain on A&E departments, particularly in countries where PCR tests are not readily available.
Professor Naeem Ramzan, director of the Affective and Human Computing for SMART Environments Research Centre at UWS, said: “There has long been a need for a quick and reliable tool that can detect Covid-19, and this has become even more true with the upswing of the Omicron variant.
“Several countries are unable to carry out large numbers of Covid tests because of limited diagnosis tools, but this technique utilises easily accessible technology to quickly detect the virus.
“Covid-19 symptoms are not visible in x-rays during the early stages of infection, so it is important to note that the technology cannot fully replace PCR tests.
“However, it can still play an important role in curtailing the viruses spread especially when PCR tests are not readily available.
“It could prove to be crucial, and potentially life-saving, when diagnosing severe cases of the virus,
A new sub-variant of Omicron Covid is now spreading throughout the nation.
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