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Communicable Diseases Agency
Press Releases

Preliminary Update on Results of Tuberculosis Screening at Heartbeat@Bedok

13 May 2026

85.1 percent tested negative; 14.9 percent to undergo further testing

  1. A total of 3,169 persons were screened for tuberculosis (TB) during the TB screening conducted by the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) from 2 May to 8 May 2026 for tenants, workers and those who frequent Heartbeat@Bedok, Block 216 Bedok Food Centre & Market and Singapore Pools Bedok Betting Centre.[1] Of these, 85.1 percent have tested negative for TB, while 14.9 percent (473 individuals) have tested positive on their blood test, and require a follow-up chest X-ray to determine if they have active TB or latent TB infection (LTBI). The vast majority of these individuals are expected to have LTBI, which means they do not exhibit symptoms of TB, are not infectious, and therefore do not pose a public health risk.

  2. The positivity rate of 14.9 percent is within expectations, given the presence of transmission clusters detected at the three locations, and the high proportion of elderly in the area. As comparison, the latent TB prevalence among all Singapore residents was 12.7 percent in 2015. The prevalence of LTBI increases with age, ranging from two percent among persons aged between 18 and 29 years old, to 29 percent among those aged between 70 and 79 years old.

  3. Importantly, a positive blood test result does not mean a person has active TB disease. The blood test indicates whether a person has been exposed to the TB bacteria, and a further chest X-ray is needed to determine their actual health status. Most are expected to have LTBI, which is not uncommon in Singaporeans.

  4. Of the 3,169 individuals screened, 1,255 were in the mandatory group. As of 12 May 2026, 41 individuals in this group have yet to complete screening or booked an appointment to be screened. We urge them to come forward for testing at SATA CommHealth Bedok Clinic[2] or the National Tuberculosis Screening Centre[3] as soon as possible.  Screening, as well as further tests, continue to be offered free of charge until 5 June 2026.

Mobile Chest X-ray at Heartbeat@Bedok 

  1. CDA is contacting persons who have tested positive on their blood test via phone calls to arrange for a chest X-ray appointment. Those with negative blood test results will be notified via SMS.

  2. To ensure convenience for those affected, on-site mobile chest X-ray will be conducted at Heartbeat@Bedok from 13 May to 15 May 2026 for persons with positive blood test results. Those who are unable to attend the on-site mobile chest X-ray can do so at SATA CommHealth.  

  3. Persons with normal chest X-ray results will be referred to SATA CommHealth Bedok to commence TB preventive treatment. Preventive treatment is voluntary and the cost is covered by CDA.

  4. Those with an abnormal chest X-ray will be further evaluated at the National Tuberculosis Care Centre and will commence treatment promptly if diagnosed with active TB disease. Contact tracing for each active TB disease case will be conducted in accordance with current contact tracing protocols to identify and evaluate close contacts for screening.

  5. CDA would like to express our appreciation to all who have come forward for screening, and for playing your part to keep your loved ones and community safe.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AGENCY

13 MAY 2026

[1] Of these, 2,615 were screened at Heartbeat@Bedok, and 554 at SATA CommHealth.

[2] SATA CommHealth Bedok Clinic is located at 351 Chai Chee Street, Singapore 468982. Operating hours from Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:30am to 1pm.

[3] National Tuberculosis Screening Centre is located at 142 Moulmein Road, Singapore 308087. Operating hours from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

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