Minimally Invasive Test for Endometriosis

A new test for endometriosis identifies women with a high probability of suffering from endometriosis by detecting several immunologic markers in the endometrium as well as a biochemical serum marker. Endometriosis is the leading cause of infertility in women.

The new test calls for an endometrium biopsy and a blood sample. In a single 15-minute session that can take place in a doctor's office without anesthesia, the samples are collected. The test has a specificity rate of 95% and a positive predictive value of more than 90%. Currently, laparoscopy is the most precise method available to diagnose endometriosis. However, 40% of laparoscopies are inconclusive, says Procrea BioSciences (Montreal, Canada), which developed the new test. In addition, the invasive nature of the test may not appeal to some patients. According to the Endometriosis Association, the average delay from onset of pelvic symptoms to diagnosis in North America is up to nine years.

"Within the framework of this research project, headed by Dr. Diane Gosselin, chief of Procrea's immunology unit, more than 3,500 patients were recruited, thanks to the cooperation of several hospitals in the province,” said Dr. Patrice Hugo, vice president of Procrea's R&D division. "This allowed us to create the world's largest tissue banks for the study of endometriosis.”





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