Abstract: Methods and devices for nasopharyngeal carcinoma screening are disclosed. The method comprises providing a nasopharyngeal sample from a subject, isolating DNA from the sample, amplifying and detecting at least one EBV target sequence from the DNA using real-time PCR, wherein a real-time PCR cycle threshold number of less than or equal to 31.5 is indicative of the subject having nasopharyngeal carcinoma or a risk of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The device for obtaining a brush biopsy sample comprises a longitudinal shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein at least two brush heads extend from the second end of the shaft.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises: a body section having an opening at a distal end thereof; a sample collection means for obtaining a biopsy sample; and a first actuator to provide relative movement between the sample collection means and the body section wherein the sample collection means is operable between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position. A related kit, detachable sample collection device and diagnostic method are also described. The biopsy apparatus is particularly useful as a screen for nasopharyngeal cancer in a patient.