GE launches AI software for chest x-ray

GE Healthcare has launched Thoracic Care Suite, a collection of eight artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms designed to detect abnormalities on chest x-rays -- including signs of pneumonia that could indicate COVID-19.

Thoracic Care Suite is a collection of eight AI applications developed by South Korean AI company Lunit that are designed to flag abnormalities for further review by radiologists. In addition to detecting pneumonia, they include applications for tuberculosis, atelectasis, calcification, cardiomegaly, fibrosis, mediastinal widening, lung nodule, and pleural effusion.

GE notes that Thoracic Care Suite gives radiologists support to identify high-risk cases as well as monitor patients and track the progression and regression of mild respiratory symptoms. The algorithms in the suite have an accuracy rate of 97%-99% as measured by the area under the curve (AUC), and one study resulted in a 34% reduction in radiologist reading time per case, according to GE.

Thoracic Care Suite is available to GE Healthcare's global installed base of fixed, mobile, and radiography/fluoroscopy x-ray customers at point of sale, and it does not require annual fees.