Transforming Thai Public Health: NSTDA Partners with Khon Kaen University and Roi Et Hospital to Develop AI-Powered Raman Innovation 'SERS-TB'
Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency partnered with Khon Kaen University and Roi Et Hospital to develop SERS-TB, an AI-powered blood screening tool targeting latent tuberculosis infections to end TB in the northeast
Transforming Thai Public Health: NSTDA Partners with Khon Kaen University and Roi Et Hospital to Develop AI-Powered Raman Innovation 'SERS-TB' to Drive 'Wellness Economy' and End the Silent Threat of Latent Tuberculosis, Targeting END TB Northeast by 2035
In the context of public health and the health economy or "Wellness Economy," one of Thailand's longstanding national challenges has been managing the persistent infectious disease of tuberculosis. However, what makes this challenge even more complex is not symptomatic TB itself, but rather the silent threat lurking in society: latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Statistics show that one in four people globally carry hidden TB bacteria without knowing it, as they show no symptoms. Yet this dormant infection can suddenly activate and spread when immune systems weaken, making early intervention critical to ending the disease.
Recently, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), through its National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), collaborated with the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University, Roi Et Hospital, and health networks in Health Region 7 to organize a traveling media event showcasing the "SERS-TB portable blood screening innovation to help end tuberculosis." The event took place May 24-26, 2025, in Roi Et and Khon Kaen provinces to demonstrate the prototype screening innovation that seamlessly integrates AI technology with grassroots public health services, aiming to establish a comprehensive anti-TB technology platform and achieve the END TB Northeast target by 2035.
• 'The Nation's Research Engine' Drives Wellness Economy to Improve Thais' Quality of Life
Dr. Worawong Rak Rueangdech, Deputy Director of NSTDA, revealed the vision behind this research initiative, explaining that the SERS-TB innovation clearly reflects NSTDA's role as a "research powerhouse" and "the nation's research engine" to support the Health Economy (Wellness Economy) policy of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The initiative focuses on applying advanced science and technology to solve critical health challenges and improve quality of life for all Thais equally.
"For medical device research to move from the laboratory to real-world application in the public health system sustainably, research must be tested comprehensively in terms of performance, compatibility with actual service systems, safety, and medical standards to prepare for regulatory registration. This project's greatest strength is that Thai innovation came down to learn from and address challenges from real work settings during the research phase itself. This allows researchers to understand limitations and gives doctors and frontline workers the opportunity to collaborate in designing development direction together. NSTDA aims to ensure this innovation creates positive impact on Thailand's broader public health system, not just as a prototype model in a laboratory," Dr. Worawong stated.
• 'OnSpec Technology and AI' Cut Latent TB Screening Time from 2 Days to 10 Minutes
Dr. Nopphadon Nantavong, a researcher in the Spectroscopy Devices and Sensors research group at NECTEC NSTDA, explained that the SERS-TB innovation applies Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) technology combined with a portable Raman signal measurement device.
