Novel TB smear microscopy automation system in detecting acid-fast bacilli for tuberculosis - A multi-center double blind study.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, there is a large global drop in the number of newly diagnosed cases with tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. Actions to mitigate and reverse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB are urgently needed. Recent development of TB smear microscopy automation systems using artificial intelligence may increase the sensitivity of TB smear microscopy.