Covid PCR tests could be replaced with X RAYS that are almost 100% accurate

Aliki Kraterou (SUN)

COVID PCR tests could be replaced with X-rays that are almost 100 per cent accurate and can give results within minutes, boffins claim.

Scientists at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have pioneered the groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) programme which is able to detect the virus faster than a PCR test.

2PCR tests could be replaced with X-rays

A PCR test typically takes around two hours to return a result.

The process uses X-ray technology to compare the scans to a database of close to 3,000 images belonging to patients with Covid-19, healthy people and others with viral pneumonia.

An AI process then uses an algorithm to analyse visual imagery and make a diagnosis.

In testing, this technique was found to be 98 per cent accurate, MailOnline reports.


It is hoped that this technology could be used to help aid Accident and Emergency departments, especially in countries where PCR tests are not readily available.

Professor Naeem Ramzan, Director of the Affective and Human Computing for SMART Environments Research Centre at UWS, led the three-person team behind the project, which also involved Gabriel Okolo and Dr Stamos Katsigiannis.