NHS to Offer Rapid Endometriosis Tests EndoSure and Endotest in England and Wales

NICE has issued a draft recommendation authorising EndoSure and Endotest for NHS use in England and Wales. Endotest analyses micro-RNA markers in a saliva sample; EndoSure records electrical gut activity via abdominal sensor pads during a 45-minute water-drinking protocol. Both are for women with suspected endometriosis after a normal exam and negative or inconclusive imaging. The approval is provisional for three years, after which NICE will review evidence before deciding on permanent adoption.

The Guardian

Endometriosis affects roughly one in ten women of reproductive age. Diagnosis typically uses ultrasound, MRI or laparoscopy, and in the UK the average time from symptom onset to confirmed diagnosis is nine years and four months, rising to eleven years for women from ethnically diverse communities. Delays increase chronic pain, mental-health burden and disease progression, limiting treatment options.

The Guardian

The rollout involves NICE health-technology director Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, consultant gynaecologist Dr Gail Busby (Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust), and Endometriosis UK representative Emma Cox, alongside NICE, the NHS in England and Wales, and the patient charity Endometriosis UK.

The Guardian

In the UK, about 10 % of women of reproductive age have endometriosis. EndoSure yields results in roughly 45 minutes; Endotest uses a saliva sample sent to a lab, with results returned to the referring clinician. NICE’s draft recommendation sets a three-year trial, after which it will decide on permanent NHS inclusion. The third test, DotEndo, was not approved pending further research.

The Guardian

Earlier, non-invasive detection should shorten the diagnostic pathway, enable prompt treatment, reduce laparoscopy use, free surgical slots, lower NHS costs, and improve quality of life for affected women.

The Guardian

NICE notes EndoSure and Endotest are adjuncts, not standalone diagnostics, for use when imaging is unavailable or inconclusive. The agency approved a three-year trial with evidence collection to assess long-term suitability. DotEndo remains excluded pending further research.

The Guardian

• “A diagnosis of endometriosis can for some women take the best part of a decade, with the UK average standing at nine years and four months, and rising to 11 years for those from ethnically diverse communities.” — Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, NICE health-tech programme director

The Guardian

• “These technologies have the potential to change that by giving primary care professionals better non-invasive tools to identify endometriosis earlier, allowing earlier and better treatment.” — Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, NICE health-tech programme director

The Guardian

• “Dr Gail Busby, a consultant gynaecologist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “These tests are a gamechanger because they give us answers much earlier, without the need for invasive surgery, and that means we can start the right treatment sooner.” — Dr Gail Busby, consultant gynaecologist, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

The Guardian

• “They should come with education for GPs and nurses to ensure prompt access and an end to symptoms not being recognised, she said.” — Emma Cox, Endometriosis UK

The Guardian