NICE Draft Guidance Offers Two Non-Invasive Endometriosis Tests on NHS for Three-Year Trial

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence released draft guidance this week recommending that two non-invasive tests for endometriosis be made available on the NHS. The Bbc reported that the tests will be offered by GPs in England and Wales during a three-year trial period while evidence on outcomes is collected. Endotest is a spit test that looks for genetic material.

Endosure measures electrical signals in the gut using sensor pads placed on the abdomen. The Bbc reported that the tests are not absolute proof of endometriosis but can indicate whether referral to specialist services is warranted. Use of either test must be overseen by a healthcare professional with expertise in endometriosis diagnosis and management.

Abbie Filer, 27, from Leeds, was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2024 after a decade of heavy periods and PMDD. The Bbc reported that she used a catheter for seven months in 2023 before surgery confirmed the condition. Filer, treasurer of the peer group Menstrual Health Support, said she holds mixed views on the new tests and noted that no one suspected endometriosis during her catheter period.

Described her own diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis as a long road. The Bbc reported that the organisation opened its first centre in Hull last year. Brewster said wider availability of the tests is positive provided services can handle increased demand.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, a GP, told BBC Radio Sheffield that the tests cannot offer an absolute diagnosis but could inform whether a patient should be fast-tracked to specialist care. The Bbc reported that Jarvis noted patients are sometimes first diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome because symptoms overlap.