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Order Code NSE Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE), Spinal Fluid

Additional Codes

Mayo Test ID
NSESF

Reporting Name

Neuron Specific Enolase, CSF

Useful For

An auxiliary test in the diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

 

An auxiliary test in the diagnosis of small cell lung carcinoma metastasis to central nervous system or leptomeninges

Specimen Type

CSF


Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 15 days
  Ambient  72 hours

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus Reject

Reference Values

Normal: ≤15 ng/mL

 

Indeterminate: 15-30 ng/mL

 

Elevated: >30 ng/mL

Elevated results may indicate the need for additional workup. Possible causes may be neuron-specific enolase-secreting central nervous system/leptomeningeal tumor or rapid neuronal destruction from a variety of causes. In the context of dementia, elevated results may be suggestive of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Method Name

Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence

CPT Code Information

83520

Method Description

Neuron specific enolase (NSE) is measured in this homogeneous automated immunofluorescent assay on the BRAHMS Kryptor. The Kryptor uses TRACE (time resolved amplified cryptate emission) technology based on a non-radioactive transfer of energy. This transfer occurs between 2 fluorescent tracers: the donor (europium cryptate) and the acceptor (XL665). In the NSE assay, 2 monoclonal antibodies are labeled, 1 with europium cryptate and 1 with XL665. NSE is sandwiched between the 2 antibodies, bringing them into close proximity. When the antigen-antibody complex is excited with a nitrogen laser at 337 nm, some fluorescent energy is emitted at 620 nm and the rest is transferred to XL665. This energy is then emitted as fluorescence at 665 nm. A ratio of the energy emitted at 665 nm to that emitted at 620 nm (internal reference) is calculated for each sample. Signal intensity is proportional to the number of antigen-antibody complexes formed, and therefore to antigen concentration.(Unpublished Mayo method)