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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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NEURON SPECIFIC ENOLASE (NSE)

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2747    Geisinger Epic ID:  43083

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
6 mL red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube
Specimen required: 

1 mL aliquot of serum; minimum 0.3 mL.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Centrifuge and immediately separate serum specimens from the cells into clean, plastic, screw-capped vial(s).


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 7 days. Refrigerated (cold packs): 7 days. Frozen: 30 days.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  86316
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Neuron-specific enolase.


Methodology: 
Immunoassay
Synonyms: 

NSE, Quest test code 34476, NSE


Clinical significance: 

Elevated levels of serum NSE are reported in patients with small cell carcinomas primarily of lung origin. Patients with neuroblastomas may also have high levels of NSE. Serum NSE can be used to monitor recurrence or progression of tumor in these cancer patients. Daily serial monitoring of serum NSE may also be used in comatose patients to assess neuronal damage. High NSE levels in comatose patients at 24hr and 48hr post cardio-pulmonary resusitation have been associated with poor outcome. Hemolysis can cause false positive results.


Review Date:  11/14/2024

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