New AI-Driven Platform Standardizes Tuberculosis Smear Microscopy Workflow

Sputum smear microscopy remains central to tuberculosis treatment monitoring and follow-up, particularly in high‑burden settings where serial testing is routine. Yet consistent, repeatable bacillary assessment across programs can be difficult, and variability in slide reading affects workflow efficiency. A new system has launched that digitizes and standardizes smear workflows with artificial intelligence to automate acid‑fast bacilli detection and objective bacillary grading.

OptraSCAN has introduced BactoSiA, an artificial intelligence-assisted tuberculosis treatment monitoring and follow‑up solution built to support sputum smear microscopy. The system is designed to deliver slide‑to‑report results in minutes and generate standardized bacillary load grades (Scanty, 1+, 2+, 3+) aligned with internationally recognized tuberculosis reporting guidelines. It targets consistent interpretation to support downstream decision‑making within existing laboratory operations.

Image: Powered by OptraSCAN’s patented OS‑SiA technology, the platform performs scanning, indexing, and AI‑driven analysis simultaneously (Photo courtesy of OptraSCAN)

BactoSiA combines high‑resolution brightfield whole‑slide imaging with AI-based algorithms to automatically detect and quantify acid‑fast bacilli (AFB) on Ziehl–Neelsen-stained sputum samples. Powered by OptraSCAN’s patented OS‑SiA technology, the platform performs scanning, indexing, and AI‑driven analysis simultaneously. During acquisition, likely positive regions are flagged to support slide triage, confirmed positives are graded automatically using standardized criteria, and images and reports are managed within the IMAGEPath software ecosystem.

The system is optimized for public health laboratories, mid‑ and high‑volume tuberculosis laboratories, mobile units, nongovernmental organizations, and telepathology networks where repeat testing and treatment monitoring are routine. It is designed to reduce reader variability, improve throughput, and maintain operational efficiency across diverse and decentralized settings with digital reporting and minimal infrastructure and training requirements. The approach addresses the need for speed, standardization, and scalability in smear microscopy workflows.

OptraSCAN introduced BactoSiA at WHX Labs World Health Expo in Dubai 2026, where the company conducted live, hands-on demonstrations at its booth. As part of the event’s Clinical Microbiology Track, Devika Gholap, Chief Product Officer at OptraSCAN, delivered a technology and innovation spotlight presentation titled “Implementation Science Considerations for Digitally Enabled Tuberculosis Microscopy”. The session examined practical considerations for scaling digital and AI-enabled TB microscopy, drawing on real-world laboratory and screening program experience.

“Tuberculosis care cascade depends on how well different tools work together within real‑world health systems,” said Devika Gholap, Chief Product Officer at OptraSCAN. “By bringing automation and standardized bacillary grading to one of the most widely used TB tests in the world, BactoSiA helps laboratories reduce reader variability, improve throughput, and deliver more consistent results, without adding operational complexity. This approach supports real‑world implementation at scale.”

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