Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Neurone-specific enolase assay can be used as part of multi-modal neurological prognostication following cardiac arrest in adult patients.
NSE assay should be performed at 48 and 72 hours in adult patients following return of spontaneous circulation who are:
– comatose and have a motor score ≤ 3 OR
– sedated as part of ongoing post cardiac arrest care and are anticipated to require muti-modal neurological prognostication.
NSE should only be requested for other indications as part of agreed clinical pathways with consultant endorsement.
Specimen container adult:
Serum
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL
Special requirements:
Send the sample to the lab within 1 hour of collection
Sample stability:
Unseparated sample: 1 hour
Separated sample:
2 days at 20-25C,
5 days at 2-8C, Do not freeze