Detecting COVID-19 in chest images based on deep transfer learning and machine learning algorithms

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to propose an automatic prediction of COVID-19 disease using chest CT images based on deep transfer learning models and machine learning (ML) algorithms. RESULTS: The dataset consisted of 5480 samples in two classes, including 2740 CT chest images of patients with confirmed COVID-19 and 2740 images of suspected cases was assessed. The DenseNet201 model has obtained the highest training with an accuracy of 100%. In combining pre-trained models with ML algorithms, the DenseNet201 model and KNN algorithm have received the best performance with an accuracy of 100%. Created map by t-SNE in the DenseNet201 model showed not any points clustered with the wrong class. CONCLUSIONS: The mentioned models can be used in remote places, in low- and middle-income countries, and laboratory equipment with limited resources to overcome a shortage of radiologists.