Free tuberculosis testing for residents in western part of Hai Phong
In 2026, people suspected of having tuberculosis and those in high‑risk groups living in the western part of Hai Phong will receive free testing using Gene Xpert technology at Hai Duong Lung Hospital.
Implementing directives from Hai Phong Department of Health and the National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme, in 2026, Hai Duong Lung Hospital is providing free Gene Xpert testing for all suspected tuberculosis cases in the western of Hai Phong City.
Gene Xpert is an advanced diagnostic technique that can detect tuberculosis bacteria with high accuracy within a short time, even in patients who have not yet developed clear clinical symptoms. The integrated rollout of this technique helps shorten diagnostic time, improve treatment effectiveness, and limit disease transmission.
Accordingly, two groups should undergo screening and tuberculosis testing: people suspected of having tuberculosis and those at high risk. People suspected of having tuberculosis are those who have at least one of the clinical manifestations, among which a cough lasting more than two weeks - the most important sign. Patients may also have symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite; low‑grade fever in the afternoon or prolonged fever of unknown cause; night sweats; chest pain, and sometimes difficulty breathing.
Groups at high risk of tuberculosis include: people who have had direct contact with tuberculosis patients, especially children; people with a history of tuberculosis infection and treatment; people with weakened immunity (HIV infection, autoimmune diseases, use of immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapy, ...); people with chronic diseases such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease; malnourished children or those who have not received the BCG vaccine; ; people addicted to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco; and healthcare workers, particularly those working in tuberculosis and lung disease settings.
Hai Phong News