AI detects TB in Lviv region, or Digital Solution in the fight against TB
In the Lviv region, communities with limited access to X-ray examinations are now being visited by X-ray mobile units equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) from the Lviv Lung Health Centre (Lviv Regional Phthisiopulmonological Clinical Diagnostic and Treatment Centre). Interestingly, Ukrainian communities are served by the Indiascan X-ray diagnostic complex, which is manufactured in Ukraine by the Kharkiv X-ray Equipment Plant.
Mobile X-ray unit of the Lung Health Centre (photo provided by the Centre's photo archive)
Back in February 2024, specialists from the NGO ‘Labour and Health Social Initiatives’ (LHSI) planned joint efforts to improve tuberculosis detection among IDPs — residents of shelters and other temporary accommodation facilities, such as the ‘YaMariupol’ centre. New partners — representatives of shelters for IDPs — were involved in the cooperation. The Indiascan complex is designed for digital screening full-format chest X-rays to detect tuberculosis, cancer and other diseases at an early stage, with images displayed on a monitor, digitally processed and stored in digital form on a PC. A two-person crew, which does not require a radiologist, can quickly and safely travel long distances, quickly (in 15-20 minutes) set up the office and begin examining clients. The throughput of the device is 50 people per hour.
It is possible to transfer the obtained digital images to the hospital information system (GIS) for further processing and storage. These are, so to speak, basic settings that in themselves reduce the time spent by the doctor. But the integration of AI into the software has made it possible to further optimise this process.
‘AI screens the results and “gives” doctors a list of images in which it “suspects” or clearly sees dangerous markers. This way, instead of spending several hours, doctors will spend half an hour making decisions,’ says Nazar Vasylenko, a radiologist at the Lung Health Centre.
"This is not the first time that LHSI has used digital technology in its work on the ‘You Need to Know About Tuberculosis’ project. Back in 2018-2019, we imported boxes for TB treatment – DAT (digital adherence treatment technology) – with the aim of promoting adherence to treatment using digital solutions. And now we are facilitating screening using AI," comments LHSI Director Ilona Yeleneva.
Overall, thanks to the use of the X-ray mobile unit, 1,000 clients underwent chest X-rays in the Lviv region during the first half of 2025, and 49 cases of TB were detected.
The project ‘You Should Know About Tuberculosis’ is implemented by the NGO ‘Labour and Health Social Initiatives’ (LHSI) with funding from The Global Fund through the Public Health Alliance.