NICE updates draft guidance on diagnosing endometriosis in primary care

Although we will not be issuing a formal press release we wanted to let you know that following public consultation, NICE's diagnostics advisory committee has updated its draft guidance on technologies for diagnosing endometriosis in primary care.

The committee now recommends that only Endotest, a saliva-based test that detects a microRNA biomarker signature, can be used in the NHS during a 4-year evidence generation period. This follows consideration of consultation responses alongside the original evidence base.

Endotest can be used in primary care when endometriosis is suspected, clinical examination is normal, and ultrasound imaging is negative or inconclusive for endometriosis, declined or unsuitable. It should be used alongside standard practice, not replace clinical judgement, and does not rule out referral if endometriosis is still suspected.

The committee concluded that evidence for three other technologies, EndoSure, DotEndo and Endomkit, remains too limited for an evidence generation recommendation. More research is needed before these could be considered for NHS funding.

NICE is consulting on the updated draft guidance until 5 October 2026, ahead of a third committee meeting on 18 November 2026.