Digital innovations in TB prevalence surveys in The Gambia

The Gambia starts the first national TB prevalence survey in Western Africa, as Rwanda starts theirs in Central Africa, using the latest digital technologies.
Banjul, October 2011
banjul_3 The Medical Research Council in Banjul, The Gambia, recently put three mobile X-ray systems from Delft Imaging Systems into operation, which are supported by Computer Aided Detection software for automatic interpretation of chest images. The digital X-ray systems will be used in the first national Tuberculosis prevalence survey in western Africa. banjul_2 Dr. Adetifa Ifedayo of the Medical Research Council /MRC enthousiastically showed the mobility of the new equipment and his team took the first thorax images with ease. The team will be running the prevalence study in 10 months, visiting most of The Gambia and screening over 60.000 people. The outcome is much sought after by the authorities and WHO as it is regarded as a potentially new model for national TB programs.
MRC Gambia will also be the first site in Western Africa which will use the innovative CAD4TB diagnostic software to interpret Chest X-Ray images ‘in the field’. The Computer Aided Detection system is a unique product that analyses CXRs in less than 2 minutes and gives a probability if the image is abnormal. The CAD4TB software will be used in the field as a ‘second reader’.
The compact mobile X-ray machine and its innovative diagnosis system are packed in two sturdy flight cases and can be set up in just 30 minutes. Furthermore, a complete foldable thorax stand with integrated patient lift allows for a high screening throughput with constant high image quality. The complete set-up only covers 3 sq. meters and the direct digital system weighs less than 80kg. A battery backup system is also included and ensures continuous operation of the unit even when external power is not available. banjul_1 The system comes as a complete package including a Picture Archive and Communication System and dedicated TB viewer for storage and viewing of the X-ray images

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