New tools and methods for pattern recognition of neuron specific enolase (NSE) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were proposed for the screening of whole blood samples. The new tools were based on stochastic sensors designed using nanoporous gold microspheres, graphite, graphene, diamond paste as well as α‐CDs, and 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐21H,23H‐porphyrin. The best sensor for the assay of CEA was the one based on P/graphite (the limit of determination was 16 fg/ml and sensitivity was 2.32 × 107 s mg−1 ml), while for the assay of NSE the, best sensor was the one based on P/graphene (the limit of determination was 7.45 pg/ml and sensitivity was 2.49 × 108 s mg−1 ml). The sensor of choice for simultaneous detection of NSE and CEA is the one based on P/graphene because we need high sensitivity and low limit of determination for NSE. To our knowledge, this is the only one screening test for early detection of lung cancer, by identification of NSE and CEA in whole blood samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. New tools for pattern recognition of neuron specific enolase (NSE) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were proposed for the screening of whole blood samples. The stochastic sensor based on 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐21H,23H‐porphyrin and graphite paste was the best for pattern recognition of CEA (limit of determination: 16 fg/ml and sensitivity: 2.32 × 107 s mg−1 ml), while the stochastic sensor based on the same porphyrin and graphene was the best for pattern recognition of NSE (limit of determination: 7.45 pg/ml and sensitivity: 2.49 × 108 s mg−1 ml).