19 August 2024 | Geneva Since 2021, WHO has recommended the use of computer-aided detection software (CAD) to interpret chest X-rays when screening and triaging for tuberculosis (TB). The recommendation was based on an analysis of the diagnostic accuracy data of this class of software products for detecting pulmonary TB in individuals aged 15 years and older, compared to human interpretation with bacteriological confirmation as reference standard, in populations in which TB screening is recommended.

On 10 June WHO invited manufacturers to submit CAD products for an independent evaluation of the performance the software by external experts. At the end of the assessment WHO will issue an updated list of products that demonstrate adequate accuracy for use in TB screening and triage by early 2025. No fees will be charged to manufacturers for these assessments.

The process is ongoing and we are now assessing a number of CAD products. We inform other manufacturers who wish to submit further products that they can do so by 1 September 2024. Details about the submission procedures are available here.