by Lorraine Anyango. In a monitoring and progress update tour of the JOOTRH, The Manager, of the National TB Program, Dr. Immaculate Kathure has applauded the facility for its fast turnaround time in TB testing-which feeds into the fights against the respiratory disease.
Dr. Kathure said employing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered testing machine has made testing faster and easier, offloading and supporting work streams of the clinical workforce.
“This means that we can now confidently support radiology workforces to prioritize patient cases quickly or expedite decision-making,” pointed out Dr. Kathure.
Testing has proven to be a vital component in the TB fight as people with symptoms sometimes don’t get tested or getting results takes too long. The delay means TB can spread and harm others.
The qSpot-TB artificial intelligence machine, installed at the facility has proven to be a game changer as it deploys a second-read computer-aided detection and diagnosis device that analyses Chest X-rays to localize all noted radiological signs suggestive of TB and provides accompanying conclusions regarding the presence or absence of TB. Marking a step forward in the region’s TB AI-assisted diagnosis field.
“We cannot let our guard down. Innovative technology is a crucial component for accelerated progress to end TB successfully,” noted Dr. Kathure
The machine, a donation under the Start taking action for tuberculosis diagnosis: Start4All
Study, has meant checking for TB right at the hospital instead of sending samples to distant labs. Therefore, a new way to diagnose TB quickly and easily is needed, thereby offering faster treatment.
TB is a highly infectious disease affecting the lungs; with Kenya now bolstering efforts towards eliminating TB by 2030. KEMRI has partnered with JOOTRH on a special study ‘START4LL’ to make testing for TB faster and easier, especially for people who might have trouble reaching faraway labs.
Dr. Kathure was received by JOOTRH, Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Dedan Ogong’a
Accompanying her were National Tuberculosis Reference Lab officials, Beatrice Kenaiya and Farida Gateri, CHAMPS Co-Director Dr. Dickens Onyango, Program Coordinator Janet Agaya, and Kemri-CDC officials.
