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Machine Learning Tool Accurately Detects COVID-19 on X-Rays

Jessica Kent

Health IT Analytics

Nov 25, 2020

A machine learning tool was able to detect COVID-19 in x-ray images about ten times faster and one to six percent more accurately than specialized thoracic radiologists, according to a study published in Radiology. In patients with COVID-19, chest x-rays look similar, with lungs appearing patchy and hazy rather than clear and healthy. However, pneumonia, heart failure, and other chronic illnesses in the lungs can look similar to COVID-19 on x-rays. Trained radiologists have to be able to tell the difference between COVID-19 and a less contagious disease. The tool could be a better alternative in hospitals and health systems during the resource-intensive pandemic.