AI-Enhanced Allergy Diagnostics: Streamlining Healthcare and Reducing Costs

Abstract Issue/Problem WHO projects a shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030. One area particularly lacking technological support is allergy diagnostics. The World Allergy Organization recognizes skin tests as the gold standard for allergy diagnostics, yet these tests are still manually assessed. General practitioners lack the time and tools, leading them to focus on treating the symptoms without addressing the causes. Description of the problem Symptomatic treatment of allergy can lead to the development of asthma in 30-40% of patients, increasing healthcare costs and causing lost productivity. The shortage of allergists further exacerbates this issue in many countries. Results Research conducted by the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, in collaboration with a company producing automated allergy testing systems, explored a solution for allergy diagnostics, analyzing the entire process from the patient’s initial visit to desensitization therapy. The solution uses AI algorithms to reusable existing patient data and analyze patient history, correlate symptoms, medications, and allergen exposure, streamlining diagnostics and treatment. Patients at high risk undergo a computer-assisted interview to determine allergen panels. The only manual step is applying allergens to the skin, after which AI performs the reading and diagnosis. Clinical trials involving around 300 patients demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity, along with significant time savings for allergists and other medical staff, averaging 40 minutes per patient. The HTA evidence base will be ready by the end of this year. Lessons The integration of this AI-supported diagnostic method can eliminate bottlenecks in allergy diagnostics, improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. However, its effectiveness depends on having at least few years of patient treatment data available. Without access to patient data, the method can be used in part to objectify PRICK test readings. Key messages • AI-supported diagnostics streamline allergy testing, reducing time and costs in the healthcare system. • The most accurate technique currently available for the automated reading of test results is that which evaluates the response to an allergen in the dermis in two spectra.