Overview
- This week NICE published draft guidance allowing Endotest and EndoSure to be used in primary care on the NHS for a three‑year early‑use period while more evidence is collected.
- Endotest analyses saliva for microRNA markers and sends lab results to the clinician, and EndoSure records gut electrical activity with abdominal sensor pads during a 45‑minute water‑drink test.
- NICE says both tests are supportive tools to help decide who needs further investigation and are not standalone ways to confirm endometriosis.
- A University of Edinburgh study found a distinct blood hormone fingerprint including raised 11‑ketotestosterone that correctly classified over 95% of study cases, but researchers say larger, more diverse trials and commercial partners are needed to make a blood test.
- Patients and clinicians say the tests could cut the UK average diagnosis time of more than nine years, but rollout will need GP education, data collection during the evaluation and further validation before routine NHS adoption.