Artificial intelligence solutions are the future of diagnostic imaging services and at Unilabs we are on the path towards it. Click To Tweet
Radiology has been the leader of the digital transformation in medicine, being one of the first medical specialities to adopt this technology. While digitalisation has been the first milestone for radiology, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to be the next.
How did we get to digital radiology?
Over the past 50 years, new modalities of digital radiological techniques have been introduced in clinical practice, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, among others.
Those with more experience in this field may remember how, initially, digital images were printed on films, and these were archived once analysed. However, the introduction of digital radiology allowed the improvement of data capture, display, sharing and storage, allowing radiologists to finally abandon the well-known darkroom in the late 1990s.
Today, all data are contained and managed by reliable picture archiving and communication systems (PACS).
Furthermore, the digital revolution in radiology has demonstrated all its strengths and potential future applications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artificial intelligence to serve digital radiology
The digitalisation of radiology has made it feasible to implement AI. Defined by the capacity of machines to mimic human cognitive functions (learning and problem-solving in this scenario).
By using algorithms, AI can automatically recognise complex patterns in imaging data and provide quantitative assessments of radiographic characteristics. Thus, AI can recognise anatomy and detect alterations in medical images.
AI offers several advantages to radiology:
- Making the workflow more efficient
- Shortening reading times
- Reducing radiation and contrast dose
- Obtaining an earlier detection of disease
- Improving diagnostic accuracy
- Obtaining more personalised diagnostics
The benefits of artificial intelligence are not only in terms of diagnosis but towards its application to research and education.
How many artificial intelligence solutions are available?
A wide range of solutions is already available on the market that can be applied in the different stages of the imaging chain, from test ordering to reporting.
At Unilabs, we have had the opportunity to attend different editions of the European Congress of Radiology, including this year’s 2022 event. Since 2017, we have witnessed the development and growth of exhibitors discussing artificial intelligence solutions subsequently more than tripled in that period.
AI in radiology is still a working progress, continuing to mature, identifying its true value in empowering radiology technicians and relieving the workload on radiologists.
Leading the way in radiology
Unilabs’ healthcare professionals and patients can already benefit from this technology. At Unilabs we rely on cutting-edge medical AI companies such as Subtle Medical or Qure.ai.
Our partnership with Subtle Medical enables artificial us to deliver faster and higher quality MRI images from upwards of 60% faster scan times. This AI-powered software not only helps improve the patient experience with less time in the imaging room but also increases operational workflow efficiency and boosts our already efficient diagnostic imaging program.
Also, Qure.ai offers a solution that classifies chest X-rays as normal or abnormal, allowing our radiologists to detect clinically relevant findings even before opening the case.
This software can reduce the reading time of unremarkable chest X-rays from 25% to 50%, detecting multiple lung abnormalities in less than a minute. Accurately assessing radiological findings suggestive of a range of lung diseases, including pneumonia, COPD, tuberculosis, and heart failure, among others.
In short, radiology as a service within the healthcare system is vital to help ensure earlier detection, fewer surgeries, and improved treatment outcomes for patients.
But to face the number of treatment options that emerge every day and the high demand for complex diagnostic imaging, we must not only count on the incredible network of expert radiologists we rely on at Unilabs, but also create the technological environment necessary for them to bring out the best in themselves.
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