What is this test?
NSE is an enzyme found in nerve and neuroendocrine cells. It may aid monitoring in certain neuroendocrine cancers and small-cell lung cancer.
Why might it be ordered?
- To monitor treatment or change in certain established neuroendocrine tumors.
- As supporting information alongside imaging and other tests when requested by a specialist.
What sample is needed?
A healthcare professional collects a venous blood sample. Depending on the method, the laboratory uses serum or plasma.
How should you prepare?
Tell the laboratory about all medicines, hormone treatments, vitamins and supplements you take. Do not stop or change treatment unless your clinician tells you to. Follow any instructions about fasting and the time of collection.
How should you understand the result?
Hemolysis, or breakdown of red blood cells in the sample, can falsely raise NSE. A high result may also occur in non-cancerous neurological or lung conditions. A trend across consecutive measurements made with a comparable method is often more informative than a single value.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.