The Nodoca device captures a photograph of a patient's throat with a specialized camera. Using artificial intelligence, it analyzes the image alongside the patient's temperature, symptoms, and additional information, delivering results in approximately ten seconds. Infections trigger notable alterations in the throat's mucous membrane and blood vessels. To fine-tune the algorithm for recognizing these changes, the Japanese company Aillis dedicated several years to gathering images from clinics, amassing a database of millions of images. Unlike rapid antigen tests that detect viral proteins from swab samples, Nodoca assesses the body's reaction to infections. This capability allows the system to be utilized right after the onset of initial symptoms, a period when antigen tests might not yet indicate the presence of illness. In 2022, Nodoca gained approval from Japan’s medical regulatory agency and was incorporated into the national health insurance scheme. Currently, the device is employed in over 2,000 clinics throughout Japan. It also received authorization for COVID-19 testing in 2025. However, it is important to note that AI cannot entirely substitute for swab tests. In clinical evaluations, the technology demonstrated 76% sensitivity and 88.1% specificity in comparison to PCR tests, meaning it might overlook certain cases, necessitating a doctor's final diagnosis. The developers are currently investigating whether the same throat images could potentially indicate other health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Informational material. 18+.
