AI x-rays and mobile testing aim to catch missed TB and COVID cases

NCT ID NCT05220163

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Cape Town Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether AI-powered X-ray analysis and portable molecular tests can help find tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 cases in African communities where many cases go undetected. Over 26,000 adults will be screened using these tools, and researchers will measure how quickly and accurately cases are identified. The goal is to see if these technologies can improve disease detection and reduce the number of missed cases.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: CAD (AI software for X-ray analysis) and Xpert (molecular test for TB)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that AI-assisted X-rays and community-based testing can find more TB and COVID-19 cases, helping to control these diseases in high-burden areas.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. The tools may not work as well in real-world settings, and results may not apply to other regions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for COVID-19 are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

COVID-19 HIV infectious disease tuberculosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COVID-19 HIV INFECTIONS TUBERCULOSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Helen Ayles

Lusaka, Zambia
Junior Mutsvangwa

Harare, Zimbabwe
University of Cape Town

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.