McMaster University graduates invent test to diagnose endometriosis

McMaster graduates and co-founders of AIMA Laboratories, Lauren Foster and Jocelyn Wessels have invented a test that can diagnose endometriosis, a condition that women experience which causes extreme pain typically in their pelvis.

Almost 200 million women worldwide have been diagnosed with endometriosis.

According to studies endometriosis typically takes 5 to 10 years to diagnose.

Foster and Wessels formed Endomir, a test that can diagnose the condition within days. “We have identified different markers in the blood that can be used to screen people that have chronic pelvic pain or period pain that might be due to endometriosis,” Foster said.

Customers can order the kit online and take the test at home. The test involves the customer taking a finger prick of blood onto a piece of blotter paper and mailing it back for testing.

Their goal is to release the screening test throughout Canada by late 2023 and it’s expected to cost around $200 to $250. The test currently isn’t covered by OHIP or insurance but the founders say they will be looking into it and providing information soon.