Transforming Public Health: How AI is Revolutionizing TB Screening in Tamil Nadu

The Future of TB Screening is Here

Imagine a world where AI and mobile technology come together to detect tuberculosis (TB) early, saving thousands of lives. In Tamil Nadu, India, this vision has become a reality. The Tamil Nadu-National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) has taken a groundbreaking step by integrating AI-driven chest X-ray screening, ensuring faster, more efficient, and widespread TB detection.

The Challenge: A Silent Epidemic

TB remains a major public health challenge in India, with millions at risk due to delayed detection and inadequate screening. Traditional screening methods often require extensive human resources and infrastructure, making early detection difficult in remote areas. This is where AI has stepped in as a game-changer.

The AI-Powered Solution

Tamil Nadu’s NTEP deployed 6 mobile diagnostic units equipped with digital X-ray machines and DeepTek’s AI-driven CADe software, Genki, to enhance TB screening across six districts (Tirunelveli, Vellore, Kanchipuram, Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, and Salem). These units traveled to various communities, providing accessible screening to thousands of people.

The process was simple yet powerful:

• Genki's Vulnerability Index Module (VIM) component recorded participants' health history, occupational status, and symptoms.
• A digital chest X-ray was taken and instantly analyzed by Genki AI.
• Those showing signs of TB (either through AI, symptoms, or medical review) underwent further confirmation tests.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Between March 2023 and February 2024, the initiative screened 66,979 individuals (average age 52 years; 28,332 males, 38,628 females, and 19 others). Among them:

• 30,898 were classified as vulnerable due to their medical history or occupational status.
• 9,409 showed TB-related symptoms.
• 13,024 were both symptomatic and vulnerable.
• 13,648 were asymptomatic and non-vulnerable.

When analyzed by AI:

• 48,354 X-rays were identified as normal.
• 9,485 X-rays showed signs of TB.
• 9,240 X-rays revealed other abnormalities.

From those identified through AI or Medical officers or presenting symptoms, 19,143 sputum samples were collected for further testing, resulting in 410 TB diagnoses:

• 337 cases confirmed via CBNAAT/TrueNat/Smear microscopy tests.
• 73 additional cases were clinically diagnosed despite negative sputum tests.
• 379/410 (92.44%) individuals diagnosed with TB were also suggestive of TB by DeepTek’s Genki. 70/73 (95.9%) individuals who were clinically diagnosed with TB were suggestive of TB by DeepTek’s Genki.

Why This Matters

This initiative demonstrates the immense potential of AI-driven screening in public health programs. By integrating AI with mobile diagnostics, Tamil Nadu’s NTEP:

• Expanded screening coverage to a wider population.
• Reduced the burden on medical professionals, allowing them to focus on confirmed cases.
• Enabled early detection, which is crucial in preventing the spread of TB.
• Increased accuracy, ensuring fewer cases were missed.

A Model for the Future

Tamil Nadu’s success story sets a precedent for other regions in India and globally. AI-driven solutions like DeepTek’s Genki can revolutionize disease screening, making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and impactful.

As the fight against TB continues, one thing is clear: technology is our greatest ally in eliminating this disease for good.

The future of TB screening is smart, swift, and AI-powered.