X-Ray Setu detects COVID-19 with the help of a simple X-Ray.

The Indian Government has launched X-Ray Setu which operates on a WhatsApp bot and detects COVID-19 through the upload of a X-ray image. The system will hopefully be useful in India’s rural hinterland and small towns where RT-PCR diagnostics and CT scans are unavailable for diagnosing COVID-19. (Gadgets Now)

How it works

X-Ray Setu has been developed by non-profit organisation Artpark in collaboration with start-up Niramai and the Indian Institute of Science. It will work through doctors in India’s small towns and rural areas.

It detects COVID-19 using a chest X-ray of a person uploaded by the doctor or radiologist on the WhatsApp bot of X-Ray Setu. It thereafter analyses the image and generates a report in a mere 10-15 minutes.

Artpark CEO Umakant Soni said: “We are planning to create a strong network of 10,000 doctors in the next 15 days who are trained in leveraging X-Ray Setu, so that when the third COVID wave comes, we are ready with solutions that can reach doctors in rural areas.”

The system can be used wherever an x-ray machine is available. According to Soni, there are 5,335 rural community health centres (CHCs) in India and of these about two thirds have a working x-ray machine and operating technician.

“We are making our best effort to reach all places where x-ray machines are installed. We will not charge any fee for the next 6-8 months. Even on a paid basis, it would be less than ₹ 100 per test,” Soni added. (₹ 100 = US$ 1.37)

A step ahead of RT-PCR test

X-Ray Setu will avoid the delays and false negatives observed in the RT-PCR test. In addition, a CT scan exposes the patient to heavier radiation compared to an X-ray.

Furthermore, the wait for the result report in case of an RT-PCR test is over 24 hours. This could go up to as much as as 3-4 days in case there is a huge rush for testing.

X-Ray Setu would also be useful for diagnosis of infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

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