What is the ENDOSURE Test

The ENDOSURE test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool for endometriosis. It uses a technology called an electroviscerogram (EVG) — similar in concept to an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), but instead of reading the heart's electrical activity, it reads the electrical activity of the stomach and small intestine.

Here's the science behind it: endometriosis tissue, no matter where it's located in the body, releases prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGFα). These travel through the circulatory system and cause a seizure-like spasm in the small bowel. That spasm produces a distinct, abnormal pattern of gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity (GIMA) — sometimes called the "GIMA biomarker" — which the ENDOSURE test detects and records.

This discovery was first published in 1998 in Fertility and Sterility by Dr. John Mathias, and has since been validated across multiple clinical studies and thousands of patients. ENDOSURE is currently the only Tier-1 endometriosis test authorized for sale by Health Canada.

In short: no surgery, no needles, no anesthesia — just electrodes on the skin, and a reading of your body's own signals. 99% accuracy for patients 35 and under 98% accuracy for patients 36 and older.

(Based on clinical validation data for the ENDOSURE test.)

Endometriosis is notoriously difficult to diagnose — it often takes years, and historically the only definitive diagnosis came from surgery. You might consider the ENDOSURE test if you experience:

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

• Infertility or difficulty conceiving

• Recurrent miscarriage

• A clinician's suspicion of endometriosis based on your symptoms or history

The test doesn't replace your physician's clinical judgment — it's a tool that adds objective data to the conversation, helping you and your care provider make faster, more informed decisions about next steps.

Risks: There are no known risks associated with the ENDOSURE test. It's completely non-invasive — no blood draws, no tissue samples, no sedation or anesthesia. The only equipment used is skin-surface electrodes, similar to those used for an ECG. If you have any adhesive allergies, let your technician know before the test.

When you can't test:

• The test cannot be performed during your menstrual cycle — it needs to be scheduled outside your period for accurate results, so plan your booking accordingly. If your period arrives around your appointment date, no problem

— your test can simply be rescheduled.

• Certain medications can interfere with results and need to be paused beforehand (see prep instructions below).

Before your appointment, you'll be asked to:

• Stop opioid pain medications 2 days prior

• Stop anti-nausea or antispasmodic medications 3 days prior

• Avoid food for 8 hours prior (small sips of water allowed until 2 hours before)

• Use the bathroom before the test — you won't be able to move once it begins

If you take critical daily medications (heart, blood pressure, breathing, seizure medications), you can take these with small sips of water the morning of your test. If you're unsure whether a medication affects the test, check with the clinic when booking.

There are two ways to access the ENDOSURE test:

1. Clinician Referral (recommended)

Ask your physician, gynecologist, naturopathic doctor, or fertility specialist for a referral to The Endo

Health Collective. A clinician referral may allow the cost of your test to be submitted to your extended

health or private insurance provider for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan.

2. Self-Referral

You can also book the test directly yourself and pay out of pocket, without a clinician referral.

Cost: The ENDOSURE test is $1,000 CAD.

Please note: the ENDOSURE test is not currently covered under BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP).

If you have extended health benefits, we recommend checking with your provider ahead of time, and

booking with a clinician referral where possible to support a potential claim.

The test itself takes about 30 minutes, with an additional 20–30 minutes of preparation time beforehand — plan for roughly an hour total at the clinic.

Book Your ENDOSURE Test.

• You'll be seated in a comfortable, reclining position and asked to wear loose-fitting clothing (your clothing may be adjusted around your hips and lower ribs to place the electrodes).

• Electrodes are placed on the skin — no needles, no discomfort.

• A baseline reading of your gastrointestinal electrical activity is taken for the first 10–15 minutes.

• You'll be asked to drink a glass of water over up to five minutes, until you feel full (a "water load satiety test").

• Your gastrointestinal electrical signals are then recorded for 30 minutes.

• The electrodes are removed, and the test is complete.

You'll need to stay still and avoid talking or moving once the test begins, so it's a good idea to use the washroom and get comfortable beforehand.

Results are generated quickly, but they don't come directly to you. Your results are processed and then reviewed by a clinician physician, who will interpret them alongside your broader clinical picture and reach out to discuss your results and next steps — which may include a treatment plan, further investigation, or referral to a specialist.

If you self-referred without an existing physician relationship, our team will connect you with a clinician for next steps and interpretation.

No. There's no pain associated with the test. It's completely non-invasive. No needles, no blood or tissue samples, and no medication or sedation required.

Yes. The test cannot be performed during your menstrual cycle. Plan to book your appointment outside of your period. If your period starts around your test date, your appointment can be rescheduled. Reach out as soon as possible so we can find you a new time.

The ENDOSURE test is 99% accurate for patients 35 and under, and 98% accurate for patients 36 and older.

No. You can self-refer and book directly. That said, a referral from your physician, gynecologist,

naturopathic doctor, or fertility specialist is recommended, as it may allow you to submit the cost of your

test to your extended health or private insurance provider.

Not currently. The ENDOSURE test is not covered under BC's Medical Services Plan. If you have extended health benefits, check with your provider ahead of time.

Booking with a clinician referral can help support a potential claim.

Plan for about an hour total: 20–30 minutes of preparation, followed by the 30-minute test itself.

Stop using THC containing products and GLP-1 agonists 30 days before testing.

Stop opioid medications 2 days before, stop anti nausea/antispasmodic medications 3 days before, and avoid food for 8 hours before your test (small sips of water are fine until 2 hours prior). Use the washroom before your appointment, since you won't be able to move once testing begins.

If you take critical daily medications, you can take them with small sips of water the morning of your test.

No. There are no known risks associated with the test. If you have any adhesive allergies, let your technician know before you begin.

Results are generated quickly, but they're reviewed and released by your ordering physician, who will interpret them alongside your broader clinical picture and follow up with you directly about next steps.

At The Endo Health Collective, located at 943 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC.