Endometriosis diagnosis in England and Wales could soon become much faster thanks to two innovative non invasive tests that have received draft approval for use on the NHS. The new technologies, known as EndoSure and Endotest, have been described as a major breakthrough for millions of women who currently face long delays before receiving a diagnosis.
For years, women with endometriosis have reported waiting close to a decade before learning the cause of their symptoms. During that time, many experience chronic pain, emotional distress, fertility concerns, and reduced quality of life. The introduction of saliva based and gut sensor based diagnostic tests could significantly shorten that journey and improve access to earlier treatment.
This article explores what the new tests are, how they work, why they matter, and what patients should know.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance recommending the use of two innovative diagnostic technologies for endometriosis within the NHS in England and Wales.
The approved tests include:
Rather than replacing existing diagnostic methods completely, these tests are intended to support earlier identification of endometriosis in women who continue to have symptoms despite normal examinations or inconclusive imaging results.
If the guidance becomes permanent following further evaluation, thousands of women could receive quicker diagnoses without immediately requiring invasive surgery.
Endometriosis is a long term condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. These growths commonly develop on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder, or surrounding pelvic tissues.
Common symptoms include:
According to medical experts, approximately one in ten women of reproductive age lives with endometriosis, making it one of the most common yet underdiagnosed gynecological conditions.
One of the greatest challenges facing women with endometriosis is the lengthy diagnostic process.
Current diagnostic methods may include:
Although imaging can identify some cases, many women receive normal scan results despite continuing symptoms. Laparoscopy has traditionally been considered the most accurate diagnostic procedure, but it requires surgery and waiting lists can be lengthy.
According to NICE, the average diagnosis time in the UK is approximately nine years and four months. For women from ethnically diverse communities, delays can extend to eleven years.
These delays often lead to worsening symptoms, disease progression, repeated medical appointments, and significant impacts on mental health.
Endotest offers a completely non invasive approach using a simple saliva sample.
The process involves:
MicroRNAs can provide biological signals that may indicate the presence of endometriosis, helping clinicians determine whether additional investigations or treatment are needed.
Because it only requires saliva, the test may be especially appealing for women seeking an easier diagnostic pathway.
EndoSure uses a completely different technology.
Instead of analyzing saliva, it measures electrical activity in the gut using sensor pads placed on the abdomen.
During the procedure:
Researchers believe changes in gut electrical activity may help identify patterns associated with endometriosis.
The test does not require surgery, anesthesia, or hospital admission.
According to NICE's draft guidance, the new diagnostic tools are intended for women who:
Importantly, the tests are not designed to replace all existing investigations. Instead, they provide clinicians with additional evidence that may speed up diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Healthcare professionals have welcomed the draft recommendation.
Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, Director of NICE's HealthTech Programme, highlighted the significant burden of delayed diagnosis. She explained that women often experience years of chronic pain affecting work, relationships, and everyday activities.
She also stated that these innovative technologies could help primary care professionals identify endometriosis earlier, allowing patients to begin appropriate treatment much sooner.
Consultant gynecologist Dr Gail Busby described the tests as a "gamechanger," explaining that faster answers could reduce the need for invasive surgery while helping patients begin effective treatment earlier.
She also noted that earlier diagnosis could reduce pressure on NHS surgical services by freeing operating theatre capacity for patients who genuinely require surgical procedures.
Patient advocacy organizations have also welcomed the announcement.
Emma Cox from Endometriosis UK emphasized that diagnostic innovation must be accompanied by better education for GPs and nurses.
Many women report having their symptoms dismissed or misunderstood during early medical consultations. Improved awareness among frontline healthcare professionals could ensure patients access these new tests promptly when appropriate.
Although the news is encouraging, NICE has only granted draft approval.
The technologies will initially be used for three years while additional evidence is collected regarding:
Following this evaluation period, NICE will determine whether the tests should receive permanent approval for routine NHS use.
A third diagnostic technology, DotEndo, was not approved at this stage because more research is required before it can be recommended.
The introduction of Endotest and EndoSure represents an important step toward addressing one of women's healthcare's longest standing challenges.
Earlier diagnosis may offer several benefits:
While the tests will not eliminate every diagnostic challenge, they could substantially improve the patient experience for thousands of women across England and Wales.
Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, yet diagnosis has historically been slow, frustrating, and invasive. The NHS's planned introduction of Endotest and EndoSure signals meaningful progress toward earlier detection and improved care.
Although further evidence will determine whether these technologies become permanent NHS services, the draft approval reflects growing confidence in non invasive diagnostic innovation.
For patients who have spent years seeking answers, these rapid tests may represent a significant shift toward faster diagnosis, earlier treatment, and improved long term health outcomes.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, or advice regarding endometriosis or any other medical condition. Availability of these diagnostic tests depends on NHS guidance and local healthcare services.
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