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Neuron Specific Enolase

Test Codes

Mayo: NSE, EPIC: LAB6307, Beaker: XNSEN

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One plain Red-top tube.
Also acceptable: One Gold-top SST tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.3 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Hemolyzed specimens.

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.3 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester, MN.

Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Results available in 2-3 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence.

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

Elevated levels of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) have been reported in patients with small cell carcinomas (SCC) primarily in the lung. Patients with neuroblastomas have also been shown to have high levels of NSE. Serum NSE levels may have utility in the monitoring and management of these cancer patients. This assay is also used in monitoring comatose patients to assess the amount of neuronal damage. Serial samples are taken daily to monitor comatose patients.

CPT Codes

83520
LOINC:  15060-7

Contacts

Last Updated

7/9/2021