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The EndoRNA endometriosis test is a minimally invasive laboratory test performed on a sample of endometrial tissue, which is the lining of the uterine cavity. The result may support the diagnosis of endometriosis, but it should always be interpreted alongside the patient’s symptoms, gynaecological examination and imaging results.
At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, the EndoRNA test is available as an additional diagnostic option. However, it does not replace an expert endometriosis ultrasound scan or magnetic resonance imaging, as it cannot determine the location or extent of endometriotic lesions.
EndoRNA is a diagnostic test based on quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, known as qRT-PCR. It measures the relative expression level of the FUT4 gene, which is considered a marker associated with endometriosis, in relation to the GAPDH reference gene.
The analysis requires a sample of endometrial tissue collected from the uterine cavity during the appropriate phase of the menstrual cycle. The sample is placed in a specialist medium that protects the RNA and is then sent to a laboratory for molecular analysis.
The test may be considered as an additional element of diagnosis in patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of endometriosis, particularly when previous investigations have not provided a clear explanation for their symptoms.
The test does not analyse enzymes or immune system cells. Instead, it measures the expression of FUT4 gene mRNA in the collected endometrial tissue. The analysis is carried out using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, or qRT-PCR.
The result indicates whether the level of the tested marker suggests an increased probability of endometriosis. However, it does not show where the lesions are located, how large they are or how advanced the disease may be.
The EndoRNA test may be considered in patients experiencing symptoms that could indicate endometriosis, including:
The decision to perform the test should be made following a gynaecological consultation. The doctor will assess whether the result may provide useful information in the individual patient’s diagnostic pathway.
The sample is collected from the uterine cavity using an aspiration biopsy of the endometrium. A thin, single-use Pipelle catheter is passed through the cervical canal to collect a small sample of the uterine lining.
The procedure usually takes only a few minutes. It may cause brief pain or cramping similar to period pain. Some patients may experience light spotting or mild lower abdominal discomfort after the procedure.
The sample is placed in an RNA-preserving medium and sent to the laboratory, where mRNA is extracted and FUT4 gene expression is measured.
In accordance with the intended use of the test, the endometrial sample is collected during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. The appropriate date is determined by the doctor based on the length and regularity of the patient’s cycle and the available information about ovulation.
Before the procedure, the patient should inform the doctor about:
The final decision regarding suitability for endometrial sampling is made by the doctor.
According to data presented by the manufacturer from a validation study, the test achieved a diagnostic sensitivity of 94.12% and a specificity of 89.29%. Sensitivity describes the test’s ability to identify the condition in people who have it, while specificity describes the probability of a correct negative result in people without the condition.
These parameters should not be interpreted as a guarantee of diagnosis or described simply as “95% effectiveness”. As with any diagnostic test, EndoRNA can produce a false-positive or false-negative result. The result must therefore be assessed by a doctor in the context of the complete clinical picture.
A positive EndoRNA result increases the probability of endometriosis but does not determine the location, form or extent of the disease. The result alone is also insufficient for planning possible surgical treatment.
Depending on the symptoms and the results of other investigations, the doctor may recommend further imaging, conservative treatment or a consultation at a specialist endometriosis treatment centre.
A negative result reduces the probability of endometriosis but does not rule it out completely. If the symptoms are characteristic or persist despite a negative result, the diagnostic process should continue according to the doctor’s clinical assessment.
Imaging examinations are particularly important in this situation, especially a specialist transvaginal ultrasound scan and, in selected cases, magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis.
No. The EndoRNA test and imaging examinations provide different types of information. The laboratory test may support the assessment of the probability of endometriosis, whereas ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are used to identify and locate visible lesions.
An expert endometriosis ultrasound scan can assess the ovaries, mobility of the pelvic organs, the pouch of Douglas, uterosacral ligaments and selected sections of the bowel, urinary bladder and other areas in which endometriotic lesions may occur.
At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre, expert endometriosis ultrasound examinations are performed exclusively by Dr Dominika Kozikowska. If more detailed mapping of the lesions is required or surgery is being considered, the doctor may also recommend magnetic resonance imaging performed using an appropriate endometriosis protocol.
The diagnostic process for endometriosis may include:
Current recommendations do not require every patient to undergo laparoscopy solely to confirm endometriosis. The diagnostic and treatment plan is selected individually, taking into account the patient’s symptoms, imaging results, pregnancy plans and response to previous treatment.
Further information about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options can be found on our endometriosis diagnosis and treatment in Gdańsk page.
The time required to complete the analysis depends on the laboratory’s current workload and organisational arrangements. The patient will be informed of the estimated reporting time during qualification for the test or when the sample is collected.
Once the result is available, it should be interpreted by a doctor who can assess it together with the patient’s symptoms, gynaecological examination and previous imaging results.
The EndoRNA test is available at Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk as an additional method supporting the diagnosis of endometriosis. The doctor will decide whether the test is appropriate and determine the correct date for endometrial sampling following a consultation.
Appointments for consultation and qualification for the test are available with Dr Marek Korożan and Dr Dominika Kozikowska.
To arrange an appointment, please use the Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre contact page or call us on +48 58 719 10 25.
You can also book through ZnanyLekarz: Dr Marek Korożan or Dr Dominika Kozikowska.
