European Laboratory Day: an era of transformation

Healthcare remains a top priority in Europe, as highlighted by the EU4Health Programme, which aims to bolster health systems and enhance crisis preparedness across the continent. According to the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, nearly three quarters of current global medical decisions are dependent on laboratory test results.

However, laboratories face mounting pressure to manage growing data volumes, optimise workflow efficiency, and uphold stringent standards of integrity and accuracy. This is where AI comes into play, helping research professionals reshape healthcare and science for the better.

Automating the routine

Traditional laboratory workflows often rely on a trial-and-error approach, where researchers repeat processes and experiments multiple times to achieve consistent results. This method, while effective, is highly time-consuming and labour-intensive, limiting the pace of scientific discovery. AI-driven automation offers a powerful solution, allowing laboratories to perform intricate tasks continuously and precisely, unhindered by human fatigue.

AI-driven automation offers a powerful solution, allowing laboratories to perform intricate tasks continuously and precisely, unhindered by human fatigue

Robotic systems enhanced with AI execute experiments with a level of consistency that manual methods simply cannot match, minimising human error and variability. Working around the clock, these systems accelerate research timelines and facilitate safer handling of hazardous materials, effectively reducing safety risks. Moreover, AI algorithms optimise workflows by identifying bottlenecks and suggesting adjustments, resulting in faster and more efficient experimentation processes.

Revolutionising data analysis 

The power of AI extends beyond automation – it is pivotal in managing and analysing the vast datasets generated by modern experiments. AI algorithms can detect patterns, revealing correlations or anomalies that may otherwise go unnoticed, and can suggest promising research directions. In diagnosis studies, AI can analyse medical images and patient data to improve the identification of diseases, significantly reducing the time required to reach accurate findings.

A recent study in the UK found that AI systems used for breast cancer diagnosis led to a reduction in false positives and false negatives by 5.7 per cent and 9.4 per cent, respectively[1]. In South Korea, researchers discovered that AI demonstrated a greater sensitivity in detecting breast cancer masses, achieving a rate of 90 per cent compared to 78 per cent for radiologists[2]. Furthermore, AI outperformed radiologists in identifying early-stage breast cancer, with a detection rate of 91 per cent versus 74 per cent for traditional methods.

Advanced image analysis

Another area where AI is excelling is image analysis. This technology allows for the identification of subtle patterns and anomalies in images that may be imperceptible to the human eye, significantly enhancing research outcomes in fields such as biomedical sciences. Errors or misrepresentations in image investigations can compromise entire studies, leading to manuscripts retractions and undermining public trust in science.

Embracing AI innovations helps laboratories across Europe position themselves at the forefront of healthcare and research, driving advancements

To tackle these challenges, AI-driven image proofing tools are being integrated into research and publication workflows. These tools automatically scan images to detect duplications, manipulations, and alterations. At Proofig AI, we have developed algorithms capable of detecting image inconsistencies with triple findings as compared to a manual screening by experts[3] , safeguarding the credibility of published data and mitigating the risk of costly investigations and retractions post-publication.

As European Laboratory Day highlights the expertise and contributions of laboratory professionals, it’s clear that AI is becoming indispensable in advancing their efforts. By automating routine tasks, enhancing data analysis and safeguarding image integrity, AI supports the overarching goal of strengthening Europe’s healthcare systems. Embracing AI innovations helps laboratories across Europe position themselves at the forefront of healthcare and research, driving advancements that will support better patient outcomes and safeguard public health for years to come.

Dr Dror Kolodkin-Gal is the founder of image integrity software Proofig AI

Pic: thisisengineering

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10517477/

[2] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(20)30003-0/fulltext

[3] https://www.jci.org/articles/view/162884