Data visualisation team develops COVID-19 diagnosis tool

Data visualisation experts at an Oxford business incubator have developed a tool aimed to help speed up the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Using a combination of deep learning and data visualisation, Oxford University spin out, Zegami, has developed a computer platform that distinguishes between X-rays of COVID-19 infections and those caused by bacterial pneumonia, as well as healthy lungs.

Based at Grassroots co-working space, a purpose-built hub owned by Oxford Sciences Innovation (OSI), the innovative company has specifically adapted the software for use in the fight against coronavirus. The developed platform is now freely available to aid clinicians taking part in COVID-19 research. 

Zegami CEO and founder, Roger Noble, said: “Currently there is a swab test for COVID-19 but the cheapest and quickest option for triage is a chest X-ray – you can get the result back in minutes.

“Our concept can be used to diagnose COVID-19 quickly and will help researchers, data scientists and clinicians who are having to work with large numbers of imaging data.

“It is critical to get these tools out there. Radiologists are in short supply but there is an increasing demand for their services. It is inevitable that artificial intelligence will be brought in to help assist. Zegami accelerates the development of algorithms providing the right diagnosis.”