While many existing algorithms fail to account for comorbidities during screening, Yan said his team will incorporate such information, including scan data to assess lung function, demographic information, vital signs and laboratory blood tests.

Many imaging societies, including the American College of Radiology, have urged physicians to avoid using CT as a first-line tool to screen patients during the pandemic. Other countries, including hard-hit Northern Italy, however, have leaned heavily on the modality.

Yan is among the latest in a long line of projects harnessing the power of AI to spot people at higher risk for the novel virus.

It is tremendously important to me and my team that we can contribute our knowledge and skills to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Yan said. It is our way to answer, Why not change the world? the unofficial Rensselaer motto.

Massachusetts General Hospital is also partnering with RPI to bring this project to fruition.

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'Why not change the world?': Grant will fast-track AI tools for screening high-risk COVID cases - Health Imaging