Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 6-10 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early tumor detection - Identifies neuroendocrine tumors like small cell lung cancer with over 85% sensitivity (Mayo Clinic 2024)
- Monitor treatment response - Tracks therapy effectiveness and detects recurrence quickly and accurately
- Assess neuronal damage - Helps evaluate brain injury severity following trauma or stroke
- Simple, no-fasting procedure - Convenient blood draw with fast results to guide timely decisions
- Direct access healthcare - Order online or walk-in without insurance hassles or delays
Who Is This Test For?
- Patients diagnosed with or suspected of having small cell lung cancer or neuroblastoma
- Individuals with neuroendocrine tumors requiring monitoring or treatment assessment
- Those who have experienced traumatic brain injury or stroke symptoms
- People with unexplained neurological symptoms like seizures, memory loss, or confusion
- Patients undergoing cancer treatment who need regular tumor marker surveillance
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online or walk-in - Select your test and visit any participating lab near you
- Quick blood draw - A simple venous sample is collected in minutes with no fasting needed
- Receive results fast - Get secure online results in 6-10 business days.
FAQ
What does NSE measure? NSE measures an enzyme released when nerve cells or neuroendocrine tumor cells are damaged or active.
Is fasting required before the test? No fasting is needed, but avoid strenuous exercise before your blood draw.
How accurate is this test for cancer detection? NSE shows over 85% sensitivity for neuroendocrine tumors when used with clinical exams (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Can hemolysis affect my results? Yes, hemolyzed samples can falsely elevate NSE levels; proper collection technique is essential.
What if my NSE is elevated? Elevated NSE requires follow-up imaging and clinical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
How soon will I get my results? Results are typically available within 6-10 business days through your secure online portal.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Neuron-specific Enolase (NSE) Blood Test measures NSE concentration in your blood to detect neuroendocrine tumors and neuronal damage. NSE is an enzyme found primarily in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. When these cells are damaged or tumors are present, NSE is released into the bloodstream at elevated levels (Mayo Clinic 2024).
This test is particularly valuable for diagnosing and monitoring small cell lung carcinoma, which accounts for approximately 15% of lung cancers. It also helps assess neuroblastoma, other neuroendocrine tumors, and neuronal injury from trauma or neurodegenerative diseases. By tracking NSE levels over time, you and your doctor can monitor treatment effectiveness and detect tumor recurrence early (National Cancer Institute 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit from NSE testing if you have been diagnosed with or are being evaluated for neuroendocrine tumors, especially small cell lung cancer or neuroblastoma. The test is also useful if you have experienced traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other conditions causing potential neuronal damage (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
Patients undergoing cancer treatment can use NSE monitoring to assess how well therapy is working. Elevated NSE levels during treatment may indicate disease progression, while declining levels suggest positive treatment response. Additionally, individuals with unexplained neurological symptoms like persistent headaches, seizures, confusion, or memory loss may benefit from NSE testing as part of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.
When should I order Neuron-specific Enolase (NSE) Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test if you experience symptoms suggesting neuroendocrine tumors or neurological damage. These symptoms include persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or chest pain that may indicate lung cancer. Neurological symptoms like sudden weakness, loss of coordination, numbness, confusion, or difficulty speaking also warrant testing (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
If you have been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer or neuroblastoma, regular NSE monitoring helps track treatment response and detect recurrence. Testing is also appropriate after head trauma, stroke, or when monitoring neurodegenerative conditions. Early NSE-guided treatment monitoring correlates with improved survival and reduced tumor recurrence, making timely testing essential for optimal outcomes.
How do I interpret the results?
NSE results are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Understanding your levels helps you and your doctor make informed decisions about next steps.
NSE Level: ≤14 ng/mL
- What it means: Normal range
- Typical action: No immediate concern; continue routine monitoring if at risk
NSE Level: 15–25 ng/mL
- What it means: Mildly elevated
- Typical action: May indicate minor neuronal damage or early tumor activity; repeat testing and clinical correlation needed
NSE Level: 26–50 ng/mL
- What it means: Moderately elevated
- Typical action: Suggests active neuroendocrine tumor or significant neuronal injury; imaging and specialist consultation recommended
NSE Level: >50 ng/mL
- What it means: Significantly elevated
- Typical action: Indicates extensive tumor burden or severe neuronal damage; urgent diagnostic workup and treatment planning required
NSE levels above 14 ng/mL require clinical correlation with imaging studies and other tests, as elevated levels can occur in both malignant and benign conditions (Quest Diagnostics 2025).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required before your NSE blood test, making it convenient to schedule anytime. However, inform the lab staff about any medications you are taking, as certain drugs may affect results. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours before testing, as physical stress can temporarily elevate NSE levels (LabCorp 2024).
During the blood draw, proper technique is essential to prevent hemolysis, which can falsely elevate NSE readings. The sample should be collected in a serum separator tube and processed promptly. If you have any bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners, let the phlebotomist know before your draw.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your specific health situation and risk factors. Regular monitoring helps track changes over time.
Initial diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor
- Suggested interval: Baseline, then every 2–3 months during active treatment
Post-treatment surveillance
- Suggested interval: Every 3–6 months for first 2 years, then annually
Suspected neuronal injury (trauma/stroke)
- Suggested interval: Baseline, then as clinically indicated for recovery monitoring
High-risk individuals (family history, occupational exposure)
- Suggested interval: Annually or as recommended by your healthcare provider
Abnormal initial result
- Suggested interval: Repeat in 2–4 weeks to confirm findings and assess trends
Why early detection matters
Early detection of neuroendocrine tumors through NSE testing significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Small cell lung carcinoma, when caught early, responds better to chemotherapy and radiation. NSE monitoring allows your healthcare team to detect recurrence months before symptoms appear, enabling prompt intervention when treatment is most effective (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
For neuronal injury, early NSE assessment helps establish prognosis and guide rehabilitation planning. Elevated NSE levels following traumatic brain injury provide objective data about the extent of neuronal damage, improving prognostic accuracy. This information helps you and your medical team make informed decisions about treatment intensity, rehabilitation needs, and long-term care planning.
Related tests you may consider
Chromogranin A Serum Test - Checks for a protein linked to neuroendocrine tumors, helping diagnose, monitor treatment, and detect tumor recurrence in people with symptoms like flushing, diarrhea, or rapid heart rate.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets Blood Test- Evaluates blood cell types and levels to help diagnose health conditions and track treatment response.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test - Commonly used to evaluate nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
