New Device Could Detect Endometriosis in Minutes

A new rapid diagnostic tool developed by researchers at Penn State University may dramatically change how endometriosis is detected. Using menstrual blood, the device can identify a key biomarker for the condition—HMGB1 protein—in just 10 minutes.

Researchers say the test shows five times greater sensitivity than existing lab-based methods and could offer a much-needed alternative to the often-delayed traditional diagnostic process.

A Long-Needed Solution to Diagnostic Delays

Endometriosis, a painful and often debilitating condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, currently has no single definitive test. Diagnosis typically involves a mix of blood work, imaging, symptom tracking, and sometimes surgical procedures. As a result, many people face diagnostic delays of up to seven years.

The new device aims to simplify and speed up the process.

“Clinical evidence shows HMGB1 levels in menstrual blood are significantly higher in individuals with endometriosis than in healthy controls,” said Dr. Dipanjan Pan, professor of nuclear engineering and materials science and engineering at Penn State.

“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.”

Harnessing Menstrual Fluid with Cutting-Edge Materials

At the heart of the new device is borophene, an atom-thin material made from boron. Researchers processed powdered boron using water, rather than alcohol-based solvents, to create nanosheets. These sheets were then coated with antibodies designed to detect HMGB1 in menstrual blood.

Pan explained the concept using a gardening analogy: “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.”

The final device operates much like a pregnancy test. When menstrual blood flows over the strip, a second line darkens if HMGB1 is present, signalling a positive result. According to the team, the test was able to detect HMGB1 at levels significantly lower than what conventional lab tests can pick up.

Towards Accessible, At-Home Menstrual Health Monitoring

Importantly, this innovation tackles two major barriers in women’s health: accessibility and stigma.

Pan acknowledged, “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.”

To address this, researchers envision future versions of the device built directly into menstrual pads, allowing discreet, at-home health monitoring without the need for centralised labs or advanced medical infrastructure. This could be especially impactful in low-resource or rural areas.

The Penn State team now looks to expand for clinical trials, enhance the device’s sensitivity even further, and explore additional biomarkers. These include those associated with cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV), potentially broadening the test’s diagnostic capabilities.

In a field where early detection is key to improving outcomes, this device could mark a critical step toward empowering people with wombs to take control of their health.