38 studies in queue, one radiologist on call, and a stroke protocol with a 20-minute window. Prioritisation saves lives.

Radiology faces a paradox: more AI tools are approved than in any other medical specialty (over 750 FDA-cleared devices), yet real adoption remains fragmented. Radiologists read 50 to 100 studies per shift, with critical turnaround times averaging 60 to 90 minutes. On night shifts with a single radiologist, a critical finding buried in the queue can mean the difference between timely treatment and a fatal outcome. AI does not replace the radiologist: it prioritises their attention where it matters most.

FDA AI/ML Database 2025, JACR