NICE Backs 2 Endometriosis Tests for NHS as 45-Minute Results Target 9-Year Delays
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 7
NICE Backs 2 Endometriosis Tests for NHS as 45-Minute Results Target 9-Year Delays
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 7
Summary
NICE has approved EndoSure and Endotest for NHS use in England and Wales for three years, aiming to speed diagnosis of endometriosis for women who can wait years for confirmation.
One test, EndoSure, gives results in 45 minutes by measuring gut electrical signals through abdominal sensor pads, while Endotest analyzes saliva microRNA markers in a lab.
The tests are meant for women whose condition is still suspected after a normal clinical exam and negative or inconclusive imaging, and are not intended to be used alone.
NICE said the move could cut a UK average diagnostic wait of 9 years and 4 months—rising to 11 years for ethnically diverse communities—while reducing reliance on invasive surgery.
A third test, DotEndo, was not cleared because it needs more evidence; NICE will use the three-year rollout to decide on permanent NHS adoption.
With rapid diagnostics on trial, could a false negative result make the long wait for a diagnosis even worse for some women?
These 'gamechanger' tests promise relief, but will they create new inequalities in care or be accessible to every woman who needs one?
Cutting Endometriosis Diagnosis Time: NICE Endorses Endosure and Endotest for Faster, Non-Invasive Detection
Overview
NICE has issued draft guidance recommending the use of EndoSure and Endotest within the NHS, marking a major shift in endometriosis diagnosis. This move is strongly supported by patient advocacy groups, who see it as a way to address the long-standing problem of delayed diagnosis and improve care for those living with endometriosis. The new tools promise to significantly reduce the time needed for an accurate diagnosis, offering hope for earlier intervention and less suffering. This development signals a new era in endometriosis care, driven by innovation and a focus on better patient outcomes.