Diagnostic Test Development.
Endometriosis can be suspected based on characteristic symptoms, physical examination findings, and/or changes on pelvic ultrasound, CT scans, or x-rays. However, other diseases may give similar findings and the only way to diagnose endometriosis is through a surgical procedure such as laparoscopy or laparotomy.

The staff at the Endometriosis Institute has been actively involved in the development of noninvasive diagnostic tests for endometriosis. Our basis research indicates changes in the immune function in women with endometriosis and we are in the process of developing a functional assay to identify women with or predisposed to the development of the disease. Such a noninvasive technique could be used to screen women predisposed to endometriosis and counsel them accordingly.