Embargoed: NICE updates draft guidance on diagnosing endometriosis in primary care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NICE is consulting on the updated draft guidance until 5 October 2026, ahead of a third committee meeting on 18 November 2026.

ENDS

About the draft guidance

1. The draft guidance will be available at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-htg10877 from 00.01 BST, Tuesday 15 September 2026.
2. An embargoed copy of the draft guidance is available to download at the bottom of this message.

Information about NICE healthtech guidance

3. NICE healthtech guidance is for England and Wales.
4. NICE healthtech includes non-medicine technologies such as diagnostics, medical devices and digital technologies including artificial intelligence.
5. Learn how NICE healthtech guidance can support NHS decision making, or market entry for developers.
6. Recommendations in NICE healthtech guidance are made based on an assessment of the clinical and cost effectiveness of healthtech products.
7. NICE healthtech guidance can recommend that a technology is available for use in the NHS during an evidence generation period, during which more evidence is collected to address uncertainties before a final recommendation is made.