A new breath test for early endometriosis detection

Noninvasive and early detection of endometriosis using a biological neural circuit-based novel gas sensor

['FUNDING_R21'] · HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11162485

This project aims to create a simple breath test to find endometriosis much earlier and without surgery for women who experience symptoms.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorHENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11162485 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Endometriosis is a common condition that can take many years to diagnose because symptoms vary widely, and the current diagnosis requires invasive surgery. This project is developing a new type of highly sensitive sensor that can detect specific chemical changes in your breath. These changes are linked to endometriosis and could allow for diagnosis in its early stages. The goal is to create a safe, non-invasive way to screen for this condition, similar to how a dog's nose can detect subtle scents.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Women of reproductive age experiencing symptoms consistent with endometriosis, such as chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, or infertility, would be ideal candidates for future testing of this diagnostic method.

Not a fit: Patients who have already received a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis through laparoscopic surgery may not directly benefit from this early detection method.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new breath test could provide a much-needed non-surgical, early, and reliable way to diagnose endometriosis, reducing diagnostic delays and risks.

How similar studies have performed: While current breath-based sensors lack the necessary sensitivity, the concept of using exhaled breath for disease detection is being explored in other areas, and biological sensing mechanisms show the potential for high sensitivity.

Where this research is happening

EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.