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Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) Unit Converter
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a glycolytic enzyme found primarily in neuronal and neuroendocrine tissues. It is a well-established tumor marker for **Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)** and **Neuroblastoma**.
Clinically, serum NSE levels correlate with tumor burden in SCLC and are useful for monitoring response to chemotherapy and detecting relapse. While less specific than other markers, it is also used in the assessment of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) after cardiac arrest. This converter facilitates switching between the standard mass units (ng/mL, μg/L) used in oncology reports.
Standard Mass Units
CommonNanograms per milliliter (Numerically equivalent to μg/L).
Other Equivalents
Clinical Context
Reference Range (Serum): Typically < 16.3 ng/mL (or < 12.5 ng/mL depending on the assay method).
Clinical Significance:
• SCLC: Elevated in 60-87% of patients with Small Cell Lung Cancer.
• Neuroblastoma: Elevated in the majority of children with neuroblastoma.
• Hemolysis Note: NSE is also found in red blood cells. **Hemolyzed samples** can cause falsely elevated results and should be rejected.
Conversion Logic:
1 ng/mL = 1 μg/L.
1 ng/mL = 0.1 μg/dL.
Clinical References
How to Use This Converter
Follow these steps to normalize NSE values.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., ng/mL). Use dot or comma for decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator instantly updates all other fields. For NSE, ng/mL and μg/L will always show the same value.
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 1 ng/mL = 1 μg/L. Laboratories may use either unit interchangeably.
NSE is present in erythrocytes (red blood cells). If the blood sample breaks down (hemolysis) before testing, it releases NSE, causing a false positive.