New tests and blood test aim to speed up endometriosis diagnosis

Two non-invasive tests for endometriosis have been recommended for use on the NHS in England and Wales, in a move experts say could cut diagnosis delays that currently average nine years. The tests, EndoSure and Endotest, were approved under draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) and are expected to be available in GP surgeries soon Source: theguardian. EndoSure measures electrical signals in the gut using sensor pads on the abdomen, providing results in 45 minutes, while Endotest analyzes a saliva sample for microRNA markers Source: BBC. Nice’s draft recommendation approves the tests for three years while further evidence is collected Source: theguardian.

Separate blood test breakthrough

Meanwhile, a separate research study has identified a hormonal fingerprint unique to endometriosis that could be detected with a blood test with over 95% accuracy. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh analysed hormone levels in 159 women with confirmed endometriosis and 57 without, finding elevated levels of the androgen 11-ketotestosterone in those with the condition Source: euronewsen. Lead author Douglas Gibson said the findings represent "a significant breakthrough in our understanding of endometriosis" Source: euronewsen. While the blood test is not yet ready for clinical use, it could offer another diagnostic option in the future.

Impact on patients

The new NHS tests are expected to dramatically reduce the time to diagnosis, which currently takes an average of nine years in the UK and up to 11 years for women from ethnic minorities Source: theguardian. Emma Cox, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, highlighted the toll of long waits, saying they delay access to treatment and risk disease progression Source: euronewsen. The tests are designed for use when endometriosis is still suspected after normal exams or inconclusive imaging Source: theguardian.