What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're being treated for or monitored for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) or neuroblastoma. It measures a protein called Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) that can rise when these types of tumors are active. It's often used alongside other care steps to help track how a tumor is responding to treatment or whether it may be coming back.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the normal range clearly explained next to your NSE value. If your level is elevated, next steps usually involve retesting on a schedule to see if the trend is going up, down, or staying steady, since a single number matters less than the pattern over time. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and the trends feature lets you track your NSE levels visually across multiple tests. If a result is very high or you notice new symptoms, seek medical care promptly.

Who should consider this test?

This test is most useful for people who have been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer or neuroblastoma and need to track how treatment is working. It's also used by people in remission who want to watch for early signs that a tumor might be returning. It is not typically used as a general cancer screening test for people without a prior diagnosis.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms like a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or fatigue combined with a known or suspected lung tumor are common reasons people get this test. For neuroblastoma, signs like a noticeable lump, bone pain, or swelling in a child may prompt this test. If you already have a diagnosis, this test is more about tracking progress than identifying new symptoms.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once processed, they'll be uploaded directly to your secure online account. You'll be able to view your NSE value, see how it compares to the normal range, and download the full report whenever you need it.

What is NSE and why does it matter?

NSE stands for Neuron Specific Enolase, a protein found in nerve cells and certain hormone-producing cells throughout the body. Some tumors, especially small cell lung cancer and neuroblastoma, release extra NSE into the bloodstream as they grow. Tracking this number over time gives insight into how active a tumor might be, which is why it's used to help follow treatment progress rather than to diagnose cancer on its own.

What does a high NSE result mean?

A high NSE level can suggest that a tumor, such as small cell lung cancer or neuroblastoma, is active or growing. It doesn't automatically mean the disease is worsening, since other health issues can also raise NSE temporarily. The best approach is to retest and look at the trend over several results, and seek medical care right away if you also have new or worsening symptoms.

What causes high or low NSE levels?

High NSE is most often linked to active small cell lung cancer or neuroblastoma, but it can also rise slightly after seizures, brain injury, or even a difficult blood draw that damages red blood cells. Low or normal NSE generally means there's little to no active tumor releasing this protein into the blood. Because several things can affect the result, it's best interpreted alongside your overall health picture and other test results.

How often should I retest?

Retesting frequency depends on your treatment plan, but many people recheck NSE every few months during active treatment or monitoring for recurrence. Tracking the trend over multiple tests is more informative than any single result. Using the trends feature in your account can help you and anyone helping manage your care spot meaningful changes over time.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your NSE comes back higher than expected, don't panic — start by comparing it to your previous results if you have them, since trends matter more than one-off numbers. Consider retesting after a set interval to confirm the pattern, and keep track of any new symptoms you notice. If the increase is significant or you feel unwell, seek medical care as soon as possible.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

NSE Blood Test - Lung Cancer & Neuroblastoma Tracking

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) Blood Test

Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), Serum

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What happens after I get my results?

Who should consider this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) Blood Test

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say