For whom is the EndoRNA test intended?
EndoRNA test is worth performing in patients with suspected endometriosis to confirm the disease or in patients in whom you want to exclude it. The test allows you to significantly shorten the diagnostic pathway, which is associated with faster initiation of treatment if endometriosis is diagnosed.
The package includes:
- gynecologist's consultation with qualification and collection of material for the test;
- EndoRNA qrt-PCR diagnostic test;
- gynecologist's consultation with discussion of test results (teleportation).
What is the test based on?
The marker used in the EndoRNA test is the expression of the gene encoding the enzyme fucosyltransferase 4 (FUT4). The essence of the test is to evaluate the mRNA level of the FUT4 gene relative to the mRNA level of the GAPDH reference gene in endometrial tissues. The expression (mRNA) of FUT4 is significantly elevated in the endometrial cells of patients with endometriosis compared to the endometrium of healthy patients. The test is performed by quantitative RT-PCR.
The EndoRNA test is used to determine the presence of the disease, not the likelihood of the disease.
How is the collection of material for the test carried out?
In order to perform the test, a sample of endometrium collected by aspiration biopsy is needed. The collection takes place in a gynecologist's office and takes only a few minutes. Importantly, the procedure is minimally invasive, causes only minor discomfort and in most cases does not require the administration of general anesthesia. After the collection, the patient can immediately return to daily activities.
Interpretation of the test results
The waiting time for the result is 7-14 days.
- A positive test result indicates elevated expression of the FUT4 gene, which means a high probability of endometriosis.
- A negative test result indicates low expression of the FUT4 gene, ruling out endometriosis.
Note that, as with any other diagnostic test, a false negative result is possible. In the case of the EndoRNA test, false negative results can affect 6-11.8% of results.
You can receive treatment for endometriosis at Damian Medical Center. We perform laparoscopic endometriosis surgery, as well as endometriosis scar excision surgery.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the presence of tissues resembling endometrial structures outside the uterine cavity. It can cause very severe pain and problems getting pregnant.
Symptoms of endometriosis include:
- heavy menstrual bleeding;
- abdominal pain - during menstruation or regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle;
- pain in the lower back;
- pain during or after sexual intercourse;
- painful urination or bowel movements;
- discomforts related to the digestive system - nausea, constipation, diarrhea.
Worth knowing:
- According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis can affect up to 3 million women in Poland. Every year it is diagnosed in an increasing number of women.
- Endometriosis is difficult to diagnose and treat. The average time to confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis is as long as 7-12 years.
- Untreated endometriosis can lead to infertility.