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CMU Develops ESTIMATA-EX, an AI Innovation That Estimates Surgical Blood Loss with Twice the Accuracy of Visual Assessment

2 November 2026
Corporate Communication and Alumni Relations Center (CCARC)
Chiang Mai University, through a research team from the Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, led by Nurse Natthikarn Charoenrattanadechakul, in collaboration with the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), has developed ESTIMATA-EX: AI-Driven Blood Loss Estimation. The AI system estimates blood loss and counts blood-soaked surgical materials using images captured by smartphones or tablets, providing medical teams with faster and more accurate information to support surgical decisions and improve patient safety.

The innovation addresses the limitations of visual blood loss estimation, which can vary depending on individual experience. Developed on the AI for Thai platform and LANTA supercomputer under the Medical AI Consortium, ESTIMATA-EX analyzes images of gauze and surgical swabs to provide quantitative estimates.

Performance evaluations showed high accuracy, with R? values of 0.95 for gauze and 0.97 for swabs. The system achieved approximately twice the clinical accuracy of visual assessment and processed results up to 20 times faster. It also supports accurate counting of surgical materials, helping prevent retained surgical items and promote safer surgery.

The system has reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–7 and has undergone prototype testing in real operating-room conditions at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. It achieved a clinical satisfaction and acceptance rate of 96.5%, demonstrating its potential for practical medical applications.

The research team plans to conduct multi-center validation and prepare for registration as Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) with the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approximately 30 public and private hospitals have expressed interest in testing the system.

ESTIMATA-EX has also received several recognitions, including publication in Discover Artificial Intelligence (Q1, Springer Nature), awards at the MED CMU Quality Fair and Nursing Council, Second Runner-up at the 26th HA National Forum, and the 2026 Public Sector Excellence Award (Good Level) in the Service Innovation category.

ESTIMATA-EX highlights CMU's commitment to combining medical expertise with AI technology to develop practical innovations that support healthcare professionals, enhance patient care, and strengthen surgical safety, with the potential for wider adoption in hospitals nationwide.
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