Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) Serum Test
About Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) Serum Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | NSE Blood Test, Gamma (γ) Enolase Test, Enolase-2 (Eno2) Test, Enolase Gamma Test, γγ-Enolase Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 6 to 10 days (may vary by laboratory) |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily adults suspected of neuroendocrine tumours or neurological injury |
| Price | ₹4600 |
What Is an NSE Serum Test?
The NSE Serum Test measures the level of neuron-specific enolase, a protein enzyme mainly found in nerve cells and hormone-producing nerve-like tissues, in a blood sample. Also known as Gamma-Enolase Test or Enolase-2 (Eno2) Test, it helps doctors to investigate suspected neuroendocrine tumours, monitor treatment response in known cancer patients, and assess neurological injury. A small blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm is all that is needed.
What Does an NSE Serum Test Measure?
The NSE serum test measures the amount of Neuron-Specific Enolase enzyme circulating in your bloodstream. NSE is an enzyme that helps cells break down glucose for energy. It is highly active in neurons (nerve cells) and neuroendocrine cells. When these cells are damaged or when certain tumours grow, NSE leaks into the bloodstream in higher amounts.
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Serum NSE concentration | Level of the gamma-homodimer enolase protein released by nerve or neuroendocrine cells into the blood |
NSE levels do not differ significantly between males and females, and do not change with age under standard conditions.
Why is an NSE Serum Test Done?
A doctor may order the NSE serum test for several reasons, ranging from investigating symptoms to tracking an existing diagnosis.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Persistent cough that does not resolve
- Unexplained rapid weight loss
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Chest pain
- Severe headache & confusion or changes in mental awareness
- Seizures or other neurological symptoms
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can support the investigation of several conditions, including:
- Small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC): up to 70% of patients have raised NSE at diagnosis, rising to approximately 90% in advanced cases
- Carcinoid tumours (raised NSE in up to 66% of cases)
- Islet cell tumours and neuroblastoma
- Neurological injuries such as ischaemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, and injury following cardiac arrest
- Rapidly progressive dementias, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
NSE Serum Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
The NSE Serum Test is a useful tool for monitoring patients already diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours or small-cell lung cancer. When treatment is working, NSE levels in the blood tend to fall, as the protein is cleared from the body with a half-life of roughly 24 hours. Persistently raised levels may indicate that the tumour is still active or has returned. Your doctor will decide how frequently to repeat the test based on your treatment phase and clinical progress.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the NSE Serum test, but a few simple steps will help the process go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You may eat and drink normally before the test. If your doctor has ordered other tests alongside this one, check separately whether those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps can help ensure a reliable sample:
- Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- Stay well hydrated to make the blood draw easier.
- Wear a loose-fitting top or one with sleeves that roll up easily.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity or anything that could cause minor trauma before the test.
- Let the phlebotomist know if you have a bleeding disorder or have had difficulty with blood draws before.
Step-By-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens during the sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans a patch of skin on your inner elbow area with an antiseptic wipe.
- A soft elastic band is placed around your upper arm to make your veins more visible.
- A small needle is gently inserted into a vein, and approximately 5 ml of blood is drawn.
- The needle is removed, and a cotton pad is pressed over the site to stop any bleeding.
- The blood sample is allowed to clot, and the serum is separated and transferred into a transport tube within 30 minutes of the collection.
- The sealed sample is dispatched to the laboratory for analysis by immunoassay.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells during or after collection).
- Delayed or incorrect sample processing.
- Prolonged use of the tourniquet during collection.
- Improper storage temperature of the sample.
- Underlying non-cancerous conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or inflammation.
Understanding Your NSE Serum Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed alongside your clinical history, symptoms, and any other tests your doctor has ordered. The table below provides general reference values.
| Parameter | Range | Unit | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum NSE (manufacturer reference) | ≤16.3 | ng/mL | Within normal limits |
| Serum NSE (population-based upper limit) | 16.3-25.4 | ng/mL | Borderline/mildly elevated |
| High (SCLC context) | >25 | ng/mL | Significantly elevated |
| Abnormal (SCLC context) | >100 | ng/mL | Marked elevation |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how your results are read. Haemolysis in the blood sample, even at levels not visible to the eye, can cause a falsely elevated NSE result, which may affect clinical decisions. In addition, non-cancerous conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, brain injury, and inflammatory states can raise NSE levels even in the absence of cancer. Your doctor will take these factors into account when interpreting your result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits support neurological and overall health:
- Avoid smoking, as it is directly linked to a higher risk of small-cell lung cancer.
- Attend regular health check-ups if you have known risk factors for lung or neuroendocrine conditions.
- Report any persistent neurological symptoms, such as recurring headaches, confusion, or weakness, to your doctor without delay.
Lupin Diagnostics NSE Serum Test Price and Home Collection
The NSE serum test is available at Lupin Diagnostics with home collection across major Indian cities. Approximate prices are listed below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹4600 |
| Bengaluru | ₹4600 |
| Chennai | ₹4600 |
| Kolkata | ₹4600 |
| Hyderabad | ₹4600 |
| Pune | ₹4600 |
| Guwahati | ₹4600 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the NSE Serum test across cities in India, so you can get tested from the comfort of your home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories staffed by qualified professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) Serum Test is used to detect and monitor neuroendocrine tumours (such as small-cell lung cancer and neuroblastoma) and to assess the extent of brain/neuronal damage following events such as cardiac arrest, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. It is rarely used in isolation and is always considered alongside other clinical findings.
No fasting is needed before the NSE serum test. It is a routine blood draw. However, avoid vigorous physical activity beforehand, and inform your doctor of any medications you are taking.
Raised NSE levels may indicate active neuroendocrine tumour activity, tumour recurrence, or neurological damage. In patients already diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer or a related condition, high levels may correlate with a larger tumour burden or faster tumour activity. Your doctor will interpret the result in the context of your full clinical picture.
Yes. The most common source of error is haemolysis, the breakdown of red blood cells in the sample. Because red blood cells and platelets naturally contain NSE, even minor haemolysis can falsely raise the result. Other conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, and inflammation, can also affect NSE levels.
The frequency depends on your individual treatment plan and clinical status. If you are being treated for a neuroendocrine tumour or small-cell lung cancer, your doctor may order repeated tests at regular intervals to monitor your response to treatment and check for signs of relapse.
No. The NSE serum test is a supportive marker and not a standalone diagnostic tool. Raised levels can suggest the presence of certain tumours or neurological conditions, but a confirmed diagnosis always requires additional tests, imaging, and clinical assessment by a doctor.
Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) Serum Test
