(dreamstime.com)

By Troy Gillard

Concurrent with pcr testing

Rebels piloting smartphone-based COVID test

Mar 31, 2021 | 2:56 PM

The Western Hockey League has signed an agreement with a Vancouver-based company to compliment its return-to-play protocols with a trial of a smartphone-based, artificial intelligence (AI) powered COVID-19 diagnostic test.

The trial of Light AI’s diagnostic test is running concurrently to the WHL’s ongoing PCR testing. The Red Deer Rebels are one of eight WHL teams taking part.

“The WHL is pleased to partner with Light AI on this research project and we appreciate the cooperation we have from our players and staff in this regard,” said Ron Robison, WHL Commissioner. “Our first priority continues to be the health and safety of our players, and everyone associated with the WHL, and we are hopeful this research will improve the technology in our fight to protect our WHL family and communities from COVID-19 and other illnesses.”

The Light AI diagnostic test is described as non-invasive and requires no swabs. Users download the Light AI app to their smartphones and follow guided instructions that enable the phone’s native camera function to take an appropriate image of the user’s oral cavity. The acquired image is automatically uploaded to Light AI’s cloud-based server, where a complex AI algorithm analyzes it for signs of COVID-19.

Results of the exam are sent back to the user, along with appropriate instructions in the case of a COVID-19-positive result. The trial has been structured so each image sent to Light AI’s Cloud server will be verified by PCR testing to compare for accuracy of Light AI’s solution.

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“This is an excellent chance to test and improve our technology in the ongoing fight to protect our communities from COVID-19 and other illnesses,” said Peter Whitehead, inventor and Light AI CEO.

“By coupling our AI algorithms with a smartphone, we believe Light AI can offer convenient, reliable, and extremely rapid diagnoses of COVID-19.”

The trial officially launched in the third week of March. All 17 Canadian teams in the WHL have been invited to participate.