A groundbreaking AI-powered diagnostic tool for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is set to be introduced in GP surgeries across England starting 14 April, significantly accelerating and improving the accuracy of diagnosing this widespread lung condition. The device, known as N-Tidal Diagnose, uses carbon dioxide sensors in combination with artificial intelligence to analyze patients’ normal breathing patterns, delivering results in under five minutes. A wider rollout across the UK is expected to follow shortly.
Currently, the gold standard for diagnosing COPD is spirometry, a process that requires patients to exhale forcefully into a device and can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. N-Tidal Diagnose streamlines the process by measuring CO₂ levels during normal breathing and returning a diagnosis within minutes. Medical professionals have described the device as “game-changing” due to its speed and ease of use.
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COPD includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both of which cause long-term breathing difficulties. The device has received regulatory approval and CE-marking under EU Medical Device Regulations and is being developed by UK-based health tech company TidalSense, which is also investigating its use for asthma diagnosis.
According to Dr Ameera Patel, CEO of TidalSense, respiratory diagnostics have long lagged behind other medical fields, despite the significant healthcare burden of lung disease in the UK. She emphasized the system-wide benefits of the device:
“The N-Tidal Diagnose device represents the first real breakthrough in COPD diagnosis in several decades. It addresses both patient and system needs and is designed for scalable deployment across the NHS.”
With an estimated 1.2 million people diagnosed and up to 2 million potentially undiagnosed with COPD in the UK, the device could play a major role in catching cases earlier and reducing strain on the healthcare system.
Dr Patel also noted that the new test could support the UK Government’s objectives to reduce NHS waiting times and make more efficient use of clinical staff:
“This simple device can help significantly reduce waiting lists, improve patient experience, deliver accurate diagnoses, and ultimately provide a better standard of care for millions living with COPD.”
The technology is also being trialed for asthma, with plans to expand its clinical use pending the outcome of research trials.
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Dr Simon Rudland, a GP based in Suffolk, endorsed the innovation, stating:
“COPD is one of the most underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed conditions in the NHS. Since spirometry requires specialist training and resources, patients often face long waits. Having a device that can assess lung health quickly and accurately with near-instant results will be transformative for respiratory care across both primary and secondary healthcare.”
With deployment beginning in April, N-Tidal Diagnose could mark a significant shift in how respiratory diseases are detected and managed within the UK’s health system.