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Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry Neuron Specific Enolase NSE Test

The Immunohistochemistry Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) Test helps detect neuron-specific enolase in tumor tissues, aiding in the diagnosis and management of certain cancers, particularly neuroendocrine tumors.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Tumor tissue sample. Acceptable forms include formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block or tissue biopsy.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Typical turnaround times may range from 5 to 7 days depending on the sample type and laboratory workload.
Preparation
No patient preparation is required for this test, as it is performed on a tissue sample obtained via biopsy or surgery.
Test priceKSh 6,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Immunohistochemistry Neuron Specific Enolase NSE Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

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01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Evaluation of suspected neuroendocrine tumors.
  • ✓Diagnosis and classification of certain brain tumors.
  • ✓Assessment of tumor characteristics.
  • ✓Monitoring disease progression in known cases.
  • ✓Guiding treatment decisions.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of neuroendocrine tumors and certain other cancers by detecting the presence and levels of neuron-specific enolase in tissue samples.
The Immunohistochemistry Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) Test is a specialized diagnostic tool used primarily in oncology. It detects neuron-specific enolase, an enzyme found in neurons and neuroendocrine cells, within tumor tissue samples. This test is crucial for identifying and managing specific types of cancer, especially neuroendocrine tumors. It provides valuable information to oncologists and pathologists for guiding treatment decisions and monitoring disease progression. The test measures the levels of NSE in tissue samples. Elevated levels can indicate the presence of neuroendocrine tumors, helping healthcare providers understand the tumor's characteristics and behavior. Discuss the results with your doctor, who will interpret them alongside your clinical history and other diagnostic findings.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo patient preparation is required for this test, as it is performed on a tissue sample obtained via biopsy or surgery.
SampleTumor tissue sample. Acceptable forms include formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block or tissue biopsy.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies specific to Neuron Specific Enolase.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
The NSE test is not specific to neuroendocrine tumors, as elevated levels can sometimes be found in other conditions. Results must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in conjunction with other clinical and diagnostic information. Confirm specific limitations with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

NSE is an enzyme primarily found in nerve cells and neuroendocrine cells. Its presence in tumor tissue can help identify certain types of cancer.
This test helps diagnose and classify neuroendocrine tumors and certain other cancers by detecting NSE in tissue samples.
A tissue sample from the tumor, usually obtained through a biopsy or surgery, is required. This can be submitted as a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block or a tissue biopsy.
Turnaround time varies depending on the sample type and laboratory processing. Confirm the estimated turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
A pathologist or oncologist will interpret the test results in the context of your overall medical condition and other diagnostic findings.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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