Neuron Specific Enolase
Private Neuron Specific Enolase testing in London for £178, measuring one NSE marker with specialist results expected in around 5 days.
Turnaround time
5 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Neuron Specific Enolase Test
The Neuron Specific Enolase blood test measures NSE, an enzyme found particularly in neurons and neuroendocrine cells.
The test assesses 1 specialist biomarker: Neuron Specific Enolase.
NSE is one form of the glycolytic enzyme enolase.
It is present in nerve cells and cells with neuroendocrine characteristics.
NSE can enter the bloodstream when these cells are damaged or when certain neuroendocrine tumours produce increased quantities.
Clinically, NSE is most established as a specialist tumour marker used in selected neuroendocrine malignancies, particularly small-cell lung cancer.
It can also be used in monitoring certain other neuroendocrine tumours.
NSE is not suitable as a general cancer-screening blood test.
An elevated result does not prove that cancer is present.
Neurological injury, reduced oxygen supply to the brain and several non-malignant conditions can also increase concentrations.
Sample quality is particularly important.
Red blood cells and platelets contain enolase, so haemolysis can falsely increase NSE.
A haemolysed sample may therefore be unsuitable for interpretation.
When NSE is being used in an oncology setting, changes over time can be more useful than one isolated number.
Falling concentrations during treatment can be reassuring in an appropriate clinical context, while a rising trend can prompt further review.
Imaging, histology and other tumour investigations remain essential.
What Does the Neuron Specific Enolase Test Check?
The test measures Neuron Specific Enolase circulating in blood. This test measures 1 specialist biomarker.
Neuron Specific Enolase
Measures NSE released from neuronal and neuroendocrine cells, supporting monitoring of selected neuroendocrine tumours and providing biochemical information in selected neurological contexts.
Who May Benefit From the Neuron Specific Enolase Test?
NSE is principally a specialist monitoring or diagnostic-support marker rather than a general screening test.
People with known small-cell lung cancer - NSE can sometimes be used as a serial tumour marker.
People with selected neuroendocrine tumours - The marker can provide complementary biochemical information.
People undergoing cancer-treatment monitoring - Trends can be interpreted alongside imaging and clinical response.
People with a previously elevated NSE result - Repeat measurement can help determine whether concentrations are changing.
People referred by an oncologist for NSE testing - This is the context in which the marker is most clinically useful.
People undergoing specialist assessment after significant neuronal injury - NSE can rise after neurological cell damage.
People with an unexplained previous NSE result requiring confirmation - Repeat testing with careful sample handling can help exclude haemolysis-related elevation.
How to Prepare
Haemolysis is an important analytical interference for NSE.
An unexpectedly high result from a haemolysed sample may require recollection.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Neuron Specific Enolase Test
NSE is not usually ordered on the basis of one non-specific symptom.
Known neuroendocrine malignancy requiring biochemical monitoring - Serial NSE may contribute to follow-up.
Known small-cell lung cancer - NSE is an established marker in selected monitoring pathways.
A previous elevated NSE result - Repeat measurement can establish whether the result persists.
Specialist neurological injury assessment - Neuronal damage can increase circulating NSE.
A clinician-directed neuroendocrine tumour investigation - NSE can complement imaging and other markers.
NSE should not be used as a standalone cancer-screening test in someone without a defined clinical indication.
Symptoms suspicious for cancer require appropriate clinical assessment and imaging rather than relying on one tumour marker.
How to Book Your Neuron Specific Enolase Test
The NSE test can be booked privately for specialist neuroendocrine or oncology assessment.
Choose the Neuron Specific Enolase
Select the individual NSE blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy where suitable.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required venous blood sample carefully to minimise haemolysis.
Laboratory analysis
Your serum undergoes specialist measurement of Neuron Specific Enolase.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be interpreted alongside imaging, diagnosis and previous NSE measurements.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current London Blood Tests page lists a turnaround of approximately 5 days after laboratory receipt.
NSE undergoes specialist biochemical analysis and quality-control procedures.
A haemolysed specimen can require repeat collection.
Understanding Your Results
A result within the laboratory range indicates no significant NSE elevation according to that assay.
This does not exclude neuroendocrine malignancy.
A raised result can occur with small-cell lung cancer and other neuroendocrine tumours.
It can also rise following neuronal injury or for non-malignant reasons.
Haemolysis must always be considered because it can falsely increase the value.
For patients with an established diagnosis, changes in NSE over time can be more clinically useful than one isolated result.
The marker should be interpreted with imaging, histology and other oncological information.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private NSE testing for specialist neuroendocrine and oncology monitoring.
Measures NSE directly - The test assesses a recognised neuronal and neuroendocrine enzyme.
Used in selected small-cell lung cancer pathways - NSE can provide serial biochemical information.
Relevant to some neuroendocrine tumours - It can complement other specialist markers and imaging.
Useful for trend monitoring - Serial changes can provide more information than an isolated result.
Careful sample handling - Haemolysis is recognised as an important source of false elevation.
Specialist laboratory analysis - Samples undergo dedicated processing.
Professional blood collection - Clinic and suitable home or hotel appointments are available.
Clear pricing - The Neuron Specific Enolase test costs £178.
Private Neuron Specific Enolase Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private NSE testing for people requiring specialist neuroendocrine or oncology assessment.
The test costs £178 and measures 1 specialist biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 5 days after laboratory receipt.
NSE should not be used as a standalone cancer-screening test.