‘Game-changing’ spit test could shrink years-long wait for diagnosis of condition that affects 190M women - New York Post

What the report says

The New York Post reported that a saliva-based test called Endotest could help shorten the long diagnostic delay for endometriosis, a reproductive condition the outlet described as affecting about 190 million women globally. The test analyzes microRNAs in a saliva sample to assess whether endometriosis is likely, offering a less invasive route than many current diagnostic workups.

According to the Post, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recently cleared the test for use in clinicians’ offices in England and Wales for a three-year period. NICE did not present it as a standalone diagnostic tool, meaning results would still need to be considered alongside symptoms, clinical assessment and other investigations.

The article noted that Yale Medicine estimates patients can wait up to 11 years from first symptoms to diagnosis. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and can cause chronic pelvic pain, cramping, fatigue, bowel or urinary symptoms, infertility and other problems, though symptoms vary widely and may overlap with other conditions.

The Post cited reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Sheeva Talebian on the difficulty of recognizing the disease and the limits of blood tests and imaging, especially in earlier stages. It also cited Dr. Gail Busby of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, who said earlier answers could reduce reliance on invasive surgery and ease pressure on appointments and operating capacity. The development matters because faster identification may allow patients to begin treatment sooner and avoid years of uncertainty.