New database of FDA-cleared algorithms helps radiologists quickly navigate complex AI environment

The American College of Radiology on Monday announced a new, searchable database of federally cleared algorithms to help radiologists navigate the complex artificial intelligence environment.

The ACR Data Science Institute’s catalog includes 111 class 2 medical imaging AI algorithms cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Radiologists can search for tools according to company, subspeciality, body area, modality, and clearance date to find what may best fit their clinical needs.

According to the college, the new search features were added based on member feedback and greatly reduce the time required to sort through AI tools using the FDA’s “cumbersome” search capabilities.

“Until now, you have needed an understanding of what you were looking for to find AI solutions for your institution,” Bibb Allen Jr., MD, ACR DSI chief medical officer and diagnostic radiologist at Grandview Medical Center, said in a statement. “We’ve now shortened and simplified the process for radiologists of all practice sizes to understand what is available to them.”

A 2020 survey sent to ACR members found that 30% of radiology practices utilize some form of AI. And much of the software included in this catalog match ACR DSI Define-AI use case scenarios for improving medical imaging-based care.

An ACR Editorial Board continually reviews algorithms included in the database, maintaining useful tools for radiologists as well as those who may be considering purchasing AI.

“As practicing radiologists, we are interested in AI solutions that could be a good match for our future clinical practice,” Christoph Wald, MD, PhD, MBA, chairman of the Department of Radiology at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Boston, and chair of the ACR Commission on Informatics, said Feb. 1. “The ACR DSI catalog not only shows us what’s commercially available, it levels the playing field by bringing all related products into view.”

You can access the catalog here.

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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.

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