Rapid endometriosis tests to be made available on NHS in England and Wales | Endometriosis
In a move hailed as a “game changer” for millions of women, two tests that could significantly speed up the diagnosis of endometriosis are to be made available on the NHS in England and Wales.
One in 10 women of reproductive age are affected by the condition, where tissue similar to the tissue found in the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Symptoms include painful periods, painful bowel movements, pain during urination, and pain during or after sex.
Available tests include ultrasound scans, MRI, or laparoscopy (in which a camera is inserted through a small incision in the stomach). However, despite its devastating impact on women’s physical and mental health and the large number of people affected, diagnosis can take years.
Women in England and Wales often have to wait up to ten years. People who are eventually diagnosed with endometriosis said diagnostic delays contribute to increased pain, long-term health problems and progression of the disease, which can be harder to treat.
Now the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has given the green light to two tests, EndoSure and Endotest. It is stated that they will help to quickly reduce the time it takes to tell women whether they have this condition or not. One gives results in just 45 minutes.
Nice’s health technology program director, Dr. Anastasia Chalkidou said: “For some women, it can take the best part of a decade to be diagnosed with endometriosis; while the UK average is nine years and four months, this rises to 11 years for those from ethnically diverse communities.”
He said the delays mean chronic pain that affects daily life, relationships and work. “These technologies have the potential to change this by providing primary care professionals with better non-invasive tools to detect endometriosis earlier, allowing for earlier and better treatment.
“Our draft guidance reflects our commitment to bringing promising innovations to patients quickly, while ensuring that the evidence is rigorously generated to support their broader use.”
With Endotest, women provide a saliva sample that is sent to a laboratory to be checked for tiny biomarkers called microRNAs. This indicates the presence of endometriosis. The lab result is transmitted to your doctor or other healthcare professional to inform diagnosis and next steps in care.
EndoSure can detect the condition by measuring electrical signals in the intestine using sensor pads in the abdominal area. The women fast for six to eight hours beforehand and are asked to drink water until they are full during the 45-minute test, which helps the device accurately record bowel activity. Results are available as soon as the test is completed.
The draft proposal released Tuesday approves the tests for three years; More evidence will be collected about how well they work during this time. Nice will then decide whether to give final approval for permanent use on the NHS.
A third test, DotEndo, needs more research before it can get the green light, Nice said.
Nice said the tests were not designed to be stand-alone tests, but should enable women to be diagnosed much more quickly. For women in whom the condition is still suspected after a normal clinical examination, negative or inconclusive imaging results, or for which imaging has not been used.
Dr D., consultant gynecologist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. Gail Busby said: “These tests are a game-changer because they give us answers much sooner, without the need for invasive surgery, meaning we can start the right treatment sooner.
“Early diagnosis not only changes a person’s life, it frees up appointments and surgical slots for everyone waiting for care.”
Emma Cox from Endometriosis UK also welcomed the tests. He said training needed to be given to GPs and nurses to provide rapid access and stop symptoms going unnoticed.
