New endometriosis test gives result in 10 minutes

A new device could detect a key endometriosis biomarker in menstrual blood within 10 minutes, researchers have found.

The test identifies HMGB1 – a protein linked to the development and progression of endometriosis – and showed 500 per cent greater sensitivity than current lab-based methods.

It works similarly to a pregnancy test.

Dr Dipanjan Pan is professor of nuclear engineering and materials science and engineering at Penn State University.

The researcher said: “Despite the significant potential of menstrual effluent as a diagnostic tool for women’s health, it faces substantial challenges due to social stigma and lack of affordable testing options.”

Researchers at Penn State have created a proof-of-concept device based on borophene – a two-dimensional, atom-thin material made from boron – which forms nanosheets to anchor antibodies that detect HMGB1 in menstrual blood.

Current diagnostic methods rely on a mix of blood tests, lab analyses, imaging and patient history, often leading to delays. One study reported diagnostic lags of up to seven years.

The researchers explored menstrual effluent – biological material shed during menstruation – as a potential diagnostic source.

Although often discarded, it may contain valuable biomarkers such as HMGB1.

Unlike traditional methods using alcohol-based solvents, the team used water to break down powdered boron into nanosheets. These were then coated with HMGB1-targeting antibodies.

Pan said: “Think of planting a garden.

“The ground – the nanosheets – must be even and clear of weeds before you can fertilise the soil – adding the antibodies.

“Then, you have the best environment to support the desired vegetables – the HMGB1 proteins.

“That was our goal here, to create a uniform foundation on which the antibodies could recognise and capture the HMGB1 proteins.”

To confirm binding, the team used imaging and chemical analysis before integrating the nanosheets into a test device.

It displays one line for a negative result, and two if HMGB1 is detected. When menstrual blood flows over the strip, any HMGB1 present binds to the antibodies, darkening the second line.

The team tested the device’s sensitivity by adding various HMGB1 concentrations to menstrual blood samples.

It successfully identified low levels of the protein with five times greater sensitivity than conventional methods.

Pan said: “Clinical evidence shows HMGB1 levels in menstrual blood are significantly higher in individuals with endometriosis than in healthy controls.

“However, early-stage or asymptomatic cases may show only modest increases.

“That’s why high sensitivity to low concentrations is essential – early detection enables timely intervention.

Unlike conventional lab tests, our device offers both sensitivity and practicality, making it well-suited for use in settings without centralised medical facilities or laboratory infrastructure.”

Pan said the test could eventually be integrated into menstrual pads for at-home monitoring.

The team plans to scale up the device for clinical studies, improve sensitivity, and expand its use to detect other biomarkers, including those linked to human papillomavirus and cervical cancer.