Services
Test ID: ebv-Screen™
ebv-Screen™ is based on the detection of IgA antibodies to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Early Antigen (EBV-EA) using immunofluorescence assay to give a qualitative (i.e., Negative or Positive) result.
We recommend this test for general screening purposes.
Test ID: ebv-EArly™
ebv-EArly™ is based on the detection of IgA antibodies to EBV-EA using immunofluorescence to give a specific antibody titre.
This assay is listed in the MOH guidelines* for detecting NPC in high-risk individuals.
We recommend this test for high-risk patients.
*Report of the Screening Test Review Committee. (2019)
Test ID: ebv-2stack™
ebv-2stack™ is the stacking of ebv-EArly™ with an additional assay, the detection of IgA antibodies to EBV Viral Capsid Protein (EBV-CA) to give a specific antibody titre.
We recommend this test only for patients who have established a baseline for EBV-CA and wish to continue monitoring it.
Useful for
Detection of EBV reactivation which is a strong indicator of the presence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
Clinical Information
Using the indirect immunofluorescent staining technique, specific cellular staining patterns observed in NPC-positive patients are measured in these assays.
Reference Values
ebv-Screen™: Negative
ebv-EArly™ and ebv-2stack™: < 1:10
Interpretation: Antibody titres of ≥ 1:10 are positive for the presence of EBV-associated IgA antibodies.
Logistics
Turnaround time: 7 days
Test Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Fill up Test Request Form and send with blood sample(s)
Courier service
Call or WhatsApp us at 90-39-39-90 for sample collection
Minimum 3cc of blood (preferably in a 6 mL red top BD Vacutainer)
Storage (same day): Room Temp (preferably 2-8°C)
Storage (overnight): 2-8°C
References
Screening of nasopharyngeal cancer in high-risk familial cohort: A practical approach using a screening algorithm. Wee JJ et al. Ann. Acad. Med. Singap. Apr 29;53(4):268-271 (2024)
A comparison of EBV serology and serum cell-free DNA as screening tools for nasopharyngeal cancer: Results of the Singapore NPC screening cohort. Tay JK et al. Int. J. Cancer 146, 2923–2931 (2020)
Screening Test Review Committee. Report of the Screening Test Review Committee. (2019)
Increasing the accuracy and scalability of the Immunofluorescence Assay for Epstein Barr Virus by inferring continuous titers from a single sample dilution. Goh SMP et al. J. Immunol. Methods 440, 35–40 (2017)
The Role of Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Load and Serology as Screening Tools for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Tay JK et al. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 155, 274–280 (2016)
Epstein Barr virus (EBV) antibodies in the diagnosis of NPC--comparison between IFA and two commercial ELISA kits. Chan SH et al. Singapore Med. J. 39, 263–265 (1998)