AI urine analysis predicts infection in lung disease patients a week in advance

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Analysing urine samples with artificial intelligence can predict when patients with a chronic lung disease are likely to have a flare-up seven days before symptoms start, a study has found. The advantage of sampling urine is that it’s relatively quick and easy for patients to do at home on a daily basis Prof Chris Brightling The results from 85 were analysed using an artificial neural network, which is a type of algorithm that uses a network of artificial neurons to process data in a way that mimics the human brain. “Patients’ care could then be adapted, for example they might need further testing or treatment, or they might be able to limit their exposure to triggers like pollution or pollen.” Reacting to the study, Dr Erika Kennington, head of research and innovation at the charity Asthma + Lung UK, said: “This quick and non-invasive test shows how our urine could be used as a warning of worsening lung health. “However, this compelling research would next need to be tested in a much larger group of people with COPD and the cost-effectiveness analysed, before it could be used in a health care setting.”