Passive Microwave Radiometry (MWR) for diagnostics of COVID-19 lung complications in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

It becomes clear that the COVID-19 virus is spreading globally due to limited access to diagnostics tests and equipment. Now, most of the diagnostics has been focused on RT-PCR, chest CT manifestations of COVID-19. However, there are problems with CT due to infection control, lack of CT availability in LMIC (Low Middle Income Countries) and sensitivity of RT-PCR. Passive microwave radiometry (MWR) is a cheap, non-radioactive and portable technology. It has already been used for diagnostics of cancer, and other diseases. We have tested if MWR could be used for early diagnostics of pulmonary COVID-19 complications. This was a randomized controlled trial to evaluate MWR in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in hospitals, and in healthy individuals. We have measured skin and internal temperature at 30 points on both lungs. Pneumonia and lung damage were diagnosed by CT scan and doctor diagnosis (pn+/pn-). COVID-19 was determined by RT-PCR tests (covid+/covid-). The best MWR results were obtained between pn-/covid- and pn+/covid+ groups with sensitivity 92% and specificity 75%. The study suggests that the MWR is a safe method for diagnostics of pneumonia in COVID-19 patients. Since MWR is an inexpensive, it will ease the financial burden for both patients and the countries.