WHO Approves Six Software Products for the Computer-Aided Detection of TB on Chest X-Ray

11 June 2025

11 June 2025 | GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) is approving six software products for use in the computer-aided detection (CAD) of tuberculosis (TB) on chest X-ray during TB screening. Systematic screening with chest X-ray and CAD is one of the critical approaches available today to bridge the global gap in TB case detection. WHO has recommended the use of CAD for TB screening since 2021, based on an analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of three CAD software products available at the time. Since then, new versions of these three products have been released for use, while many other new CAD software brands have come on the market for the same indication of TB screening.

To guide countries, implementers and funders on the performance of CAD software products, in 2024, WHO made an open call inviting manufacturers to submit their software for an independent evaluation by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Tuberculosis Diagnostics and Laboratory Strengthening. The evaluation was preceded by an assessment using an independent validation platform conducted by the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) in Geneva.

This policy statement summarizes the findings of this independent assessment, as well as the decisions made by TAG based on these results during a meeting held in Geneva last January. Six CAD products met the WHO performance standards for the use of CAD to screen for TB in people aged 15 years and older. WHO does not yet recommend the use of CAD to screen children and adolescents younger than 15. It is important to remember that people who screen positive should undergo confirmatory testing before starting TB treatment.

“Systematic screening remains critical to address undetected TB and CAD products play an important role to help many programmes screen people more effectively”, said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the WHO Global Programme on Tuberculosis & Lung Health. “WHO is pleased to see the interest of manufacturers to support the fight to end TB by continuing to develop new tools and improve them.”

Source: WHO