General practitioners in England and Wales will soon offer two rapid diagnostic tests to identify endometriosis in women [1, 2].
These tools are intended to reduce the time patients spend seeking a diagnosis, which currently averages nine years or longer [1]. By moving screening from specialists to primary care, the healthcare system aims to provide faster intervention for those suffering from the condition [1].
The approved diagnostic tools include EndoSure, which utilizes an electrical sensor placed on the abdomen, and Endotest, a non-invasive saliva test [1, 3]. Both tests are designed to provide a quicker alternative to the traditional diagnostic pathways that often involve invasive procedures or long waiting lists [1, 2].
While the broader rollout is expected in the near future, specific timelines for the tests vary. A clinical-trial version of the saliva-based Endotest was scheduled for availability starting in February 2025 [4].
The approval of these two tests represents a shift in how the National Health Service manages chronic pelvic pain [2]. By empowering GP surgeries to conduct initial screenings, the system can prioritize high-risk patients for specialist care more efficiently [1, 2].
Patients with suspected endometriosis can now look toward a diagnostic process that does not require nearly a decade of uncertainty [1]. The integration of electrical sensors and saliva analysis marks a transition toward less invasive screening methods in primary care [1, 4].
“The current average diagnostic delay for endometriosis is nine years or longer.”
The introduction of EndoSure and Endotest into primary care addresses a systemic failure in women's health where diagnostic delays often lead to disease progression and prolonged pain. By shifting the initial screening to the GP level, the UK healthcare system is attempting to decentralize specialist diagnostics, potentially reducing the burden on secondary care and improving long-term patient outcomes through earlier treatment.
