Neuron specific enolase (NSE) blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Neuron specific enolase (NSE) is an enzyme involved in turning glucose into energy. It is found mainly in nerve cells and in neuroendocrine cells, which are hormone-producing cells spread through organs such as the lungs and gut. Small amounts also occur in red blood cells and platelets.

NSE is described as a tumour-associated marker. In specialist care it is used alongside scans and other tests, for example to help monitor some neuroendocrine conditions after diagnosis. It can also rise after brain injury or seizures. It is not a cancer screening test: it can be raised for many reasons and a normal level does not exclude disease, so it is always read with a clinical assessment.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed.

Who it is for

• Your specialist has asked for NSE to be repeated between hospital appointments.
• You are being followed up for a neuroendocrine condition and would like an additional monitoring point.
• You want to track a previous NSE result over time with the help of a practitioner.
• You are taking part in a broad health assessment and understand this marker needs careful interpretation.

Understanding your result

NSE is most useful as a trend in someone whose history is already known. A raised level can be linked with some neuroendocrine tumours, but it can also follow brain injury, stroke, seizures, liver or kidney problems, and, very commonly, damage to red blood cells in the sample, which can give a falsely high reading. A single raised value therefore calls for a repeat and a conversation, not alarm.

Your report shows the laboratory reference range. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. Drink water beforehand, as being well hydrated helps the sample to be taken smoothly and reduces the risk of red cell damage that can distort NSE. Bring details of any hospital letters or previous NSE results so your practitioner can compare like with like. We will confirm any further preparation when you book.

NSE is one of the tumour-associated markers included in Omnia Signature, where every result is read in the context of a full health review. You can also compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an NSE blood test in Chiswick?

The NSE test is £89. That includes your sample at our clinic, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Can NSE tell me whether I have cancer?

No. NSE cannot diagnose or rule out cancer. It can be raised by many non-cancerous causes and may be normal when disease is present, which is why it is only read alongside a clinical assessment.

Why might my NSE be raised for no clear reason?

The most common reason is red blood cell damage during or after the blood draw, which releases NSE into the sample. Recent seizures, head injury and liver or kidney problems can also play a part.

Should I book this if I am worried about symptoms?

If you have new or worrying symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, a persistent cough or coughing up blood, please see your GP, who can arrange the right investigations.