Thailand's public health sector is turning to artificial intelligence and portable diagnostic technology in a new effort to combat latent tuberculosis (LTBI), with researchers launching an AI-assisted screening system known as "SERS-TB".
The project is being led by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), through the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec), in partnership with Khon Kaen University, Roi Et Hospital and public health agencies in Health Region 7.
Researchers say the technology is intended to support efforts to reduce tuberculosis in the Northeast by 2035.
Health experts say latent tuberculosis remains a significant public health concern, with many infected individuals showing no symptoms despite carrying dormant TB bacteria that can later develop into active disease.
The SERS-TB system combines Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), portable Raman spectrometers and AI-powered analysis to screen blood samples for signs of latent TB.
According to researchers, the system uses a nano-structured silver chip to amplify biomolecular signals in blood plasma samples. A small blood sample is placed on the chip, scanned with a portable device and analysed by AI software.
Researchers said the technology could reduce testing time from one or two days using conventional laboratory methods to less than one hour, and in some cases, only minutes.
Noppadol Nantawong, a researcher at Nectec, said the system was designed as a point-of-care screening tool to help reduce healthcare workers' workloads and improve access to TB screening in communities.
Dr Wipa Reechaipichitkul of Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Medicine said the project would help make TB screening faster and more accessible, particularly in remote areas.
A field demonstration of the prototype system was scheduled from May 24–26 in Roi Et and Khon Kaen. Roi Et Hospital director Dr Narongchai Sungsa said field testing would allow researchers to further adapt the technology to real hospital workflows.
