NICE Recommends First Non-Invasive Endometriosis Diagnostic Tools for NHS Use

nuaxia
6시간 전
3분 분량

EndoSure and Ziwig Endotest will be introduced as complementary diagnostic options, aiming to reduce delays in diagnosis for millions of women affected by endometriosis.

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended the use of two non-invasive diagnostic technologies for endometriosis within the National Health Service (NHS), marking a significant step towards improving diagnosis of the condition.

The draft early use healthtech guidance recommends EndoSure and Ziwig Endotest as complementary tools alongside existing clinical practice for an initial three-year period, during which further evidence will be collected to assess their long-term effectiveness.

The move comes as patients in the UK continue to face lengthy delays before receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, with average waiting times exceeding nine years.

New Approaches to Endometriosis Diagnosis

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside its normal location, leading to inflammation, pain and, in some cases, infertility.

The condition affects around 10% of women of reproductive age, but diagnosis can often be challenging and historically has relied on invasive procedures such as keyhole surgery.

NICE said the introduction of new diagnostic approaches could provide a faster and less invasive pathway for patients while reducing reliance on specialist imaging expertise.

How the New Tests Work

The two recommended technologies use different approaches to identify biological signals associated with endometriosis.

EndoSure

Developed by EndoSure, the diagnostic uses abdominal sensor pads to detect electrical signals in the gut during a 45-minute procedure.

The company says the test identifies patterns associated with the release of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins from endometriosis tissue, with results available immediately after testing.

Ziwig Endotest

Ziwig Endotest uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to analyse saliva samples for 109 microRNAs (miRNAs) linked to endometriosis.

Samples are analysed in a laboratory, with results typically returned within two to three weeks.

Both tests are intended to support clinical decision-making rather than replace existing diagnostic assessments.

Addressing Delays in Diagnosis

The recommendation follows growing concerns over the time required for many patients to receive confirmation of endometriosis.

A survey of more than 10,000 women found that half had visited their GP more than 10 times before receiving a diagnosis.

NICE said the introduction of non-invasive diagnostics could support earlier identification of the condition, enabling patients to access appropriate treatment sooner.

Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, healthtech programme director at NICE, highlighted the potential impact of faster diagnosis on patient outcomes and treatment decisions.

A Step Forward for Women’s Health Innovation

The NHS adoption of EndoSure and Ziwig Endotest reflects broader efforts to improve access to faster, less invasive diagnostic technologies.

While NICE has not recommended either test as a standalone diagnostic solution, the guidance represents a move towards integrating emerging technologies into routine care pathways.

The three-year evidence collection period will allow researchers and healthcare providers to assess how effectively the tools perform in real-world NHS settings.

Why the Recommendation Matters

The introduction of these technologies highlights several wider trends in healthcare innovation:

Non-invasive diagnostics are increasingly being developed to replace or reduce reliance on invasive procedures.
Earlier diagnosis is becoming a priority in conditions historically associated with long delays.
Digital and molecular technologies are expanding diagnostic options across women’s health.
Real-world evidence generation is becoming central to NHS adoption decisions.

Summary

NICE has recommended the NHS introduce EndoSure and Ziwig Endotest as complementary tools for diagnosing endometriosis.

The technologies aim to reduce diagnostic delays by offering faster, less invasive alternatives to traditional pathways, potentially improving access to care for millions of women affected by the condition.

Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: