Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE)

A tumor marker linked to small-cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine tumors.

Last reviewedJune 16, 2026

Serum

sample type

~5 mL

blood needed

~7 days

results in app

Any time of day

best timing

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On this page

Why test Reference ranges What you'll learn What affects it How testing works Sources FAQ

In short

Neuron-specific enolase, or NSE, is an enzyme found mainly in nerve cells and in certain hormone-producing (neuroendocrine) cells. Small amounts circulate in the blood.

It is used as a tumor marker for cancers that arise from these cell types, and also has uses in some neurological settings.

Cancer Markers (Screening)

Reviewed against DGKL reference practice.

Why test this?

NSE is used mainly to monitor people diagnosed with small cell lung cancer or neuroblastoma, alongside imaging. It is not a screening test for healthy people.

Because NSE is present in red blood cells, even slight breakdown of cells in the sample can raise the result artificially. A high or rising level always needs a doctor to interpret in context.

What is a normal result?

Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.

Adult reference values as used by Aniva. Ranges are guidance and can vary by laboratory and method.

Group	Normal range
Adults	Below 16.3 µg/L

Sources: ARUP Laboratories Test Directory: Neuron-Specific Enolase, Serum

Your Aniva report reads your result against these values together with your age, sex and the rest of your panel.

Ranges are guidance and vary by lab and assay, aligned with DGKL practice. Always read your result against your own lab's reference interval.

What insights will this test give you?

A baseline NSE level, most useful when tracked over time.
An early flag that, with your doctor, may prompt further assessment.
Context your concierge can read alongside your history in a personalized action plan.

What can affect this result?

What can skew the result

Haemolysis, where red blood cells break apart in the sample, falsely raises NSE, so prompt handling matters. Some benign neurological conditions can also raise it. Results from different assays are not interchangeable.

Best interpreted with

For lung cancer, sometimes read alongside Cyfra 21-1 and ProGRP, and always with imaging and clinical history.

How is this tested?

Sample

Serum

Blood needed

~5 mL

Method

Immunoassay

Best timing

Any time of day

Sources. The evidence behind this

Mayo Clinic Laboratories: Neuron-Specific Enolase, Serum

NSE population reference interval in healthy adults

ScienceDirect: Neuron-Specific Enolase overview

Common questions

Which Aniva panels include this marker?

Cancer and Tumor Screening

These tests measure key tumor markers linked to the most common and serious cancers.