TidalSense AI device improves accuracy of COPD diagnosis

British health tech company TidalSense has published results of clinical studies showing greater than 91 percent accuracy in diagnosing severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a single breath recording using an artificial intelligence (AI) device. has been demonstrated.

The study involved the first of its kind AI-powered health technology in the form of the N-Tidal Fast Response Capnometer handheld device. With currently used spirometry tests being only 64% accurate, the new device could revolutionize respiratory diagnosis.

Chris Carlin, consultant respiratory therapist for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “This AI-powered health technology has the potential to diagnose patients with COPD much faster and more reliably than the standard spirometry test…

“If N-Tidal’s diagnostic test can be introduced into the NHS, there is a very real potential for COPD patients to be diagnosed sooner and start optimized treatment earlier. This will reduce intensity, arrest health decline and aid the ambition of refocusing on preventive rather than reactive care.

Trial based on four clinical studies

TidalSense worked with a team of researchers, including academics from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford.

The team examined data from four clinical studies between 2015-2022, which included the collection of more than 88,000 breath records from 295 patients.

The capnometer has a sensor that measures carbon dioxide in the breath and transmits the ‘waveform’ to a secure cloud platform. This carbon dioxide data is used to build and validate diagnostic algorithms using machine learning.

The instrument is able to measure carbon dioxide more sensitively than before, allowing for a higher degree of accuracy.

TidalSense designed the device to simulate normal, relaxed breathing for one minute, making the process comfortable for patients. Furthermore, an updated version of the algorithm is now integrated with the device. This means that a health care professional is able to make a diagnosis within five minutes of the test being performed.

A shortage of accredited staff means that waiting lists for spirometry tests can last for many months and even years. The N-Tidal device can be administered by any healthcare professional, significantly speeding diagnosis and allowing patients to access healthcare sooner to help slow disease progression.

TidalSense CEO Dr. Amira Patel said: “The current lack of accessible, accurate and rapid diagnostic testing for COPD is contributing to the worsening of the current state of respiratory health.”

He continued: “Our research shows that the N-Tidal device, combined with our AI technology, can accurately diagnose patients with COPD within minutes at the point of care (compared to spirometry which takes 30 minutes) ), which means patients can access treatment faster. This will inevitably lead to better patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs.”

TidalSense now intends to operate the device in clinical settings such as GP practices.

This news comes just months after we reported that Lens Health has launched a study in partnership with the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to explore how AI-derived information can improve care for people with COPD. How can you do that and prevent emergency hospital admission for them?