Key facts
- Two new tests, EndoSure and Endotest, will be made available on the NHS in England and Wales.
- These tests are designed to significantly speed up the diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition affecting one in 10 women of reproductive age.
- The current average diagnostic delay for endometriosis in the UK is over nine years.
- Endotest involves a saliva sample analyzed for microRNA markers, while EndoSure uses abdominal sensors to measure gut electrical signals.
- NICE has given a draft recommendation for the tests, allowing their use for three years while further evidence is gathered.
Two new tests designed to rapidly diagnose endometriosis are set to be rolled out on the NHS in England and Wales. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has given a draft approval for EndoSure and Endotest, which aim to drastically reduce the lengthy diagnostic waiting times currently experienced by millions of women.
Endometriosis, a condition where womb-like tissue grows outside the uterus, affects approximately one in 10 women of reproductive age. Symptoms can include severe period pain, pain during sex, and bowel issues, but diagnosis often takes years, leading to prolonged suffering and potentially more complex treatment needs.
Endotest requires a saliva sample to identify specific microRNA markers indicative of the condition, with lab results informing healthcare professionals. EndoSure, a 45-minute test, uses sensors on the abdomen to measure electrical signals in the gut. Both are intended to aid diagnosis when initial clinical exams and imaging are inconclusive or have not been used.
NICE's draft recommendation allows the tests to be used for three years, during which their effectiveness will be further evaluated before a final decision on permanent NHS adoption is made. Healthcare professionals and patient advocates have hailed the move as a significant advancement, potentially leading to earlier treatment and reducing the burden on invasive surgical procedures.