Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MyReceptiva^TM Test?

The MyReceptiva^TM Test is a proven and powerful tool for the detection of endometriosis using a protein marker called BCL6. The test was developed and patented by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and originally licensed by Cicero Diagnostics for endometriosis detection for women with fertility issues in October of 2016.

BCL6 plays a complex role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, affecting multiple aspects of the disease, including cell growth, survival, inflammation, and immune response. BCL6 is expressed in high levels on the uterine lining in over 90% of the cases in women with endometriosis (both symptomatic and asymptomatic). BCL6 is not typically detected on the uterine lining in women with normal endometrial tissue.

Why do I need to pay for the test in advance?

Cicero Diagnostics offers the same pricing for all patients, regardless of insurance status. This keeps pricing lower and accessible for all. If you do have insurance, you will be provided with a detailed receipt that can be used for self-submission. Others will have the opportunity to seek reimbursement via their flexible healthcare spending accounts. Cicero Diagnostics does not bill or contract with insurance plans.

What is the difference between detection and diagnosis of endometriosis?

Laparoscopy remains the gold standard for endometriosis diagnosis due to the  direct visual capability of a scope. However, due to the cost of surgery and the difficulty some women experience in accessing skilled surgical healthcare, the MyReceptiva^TM test was developed to provide the highest detection accuracy available. With a detection rate greater than 90%, the MyReceptiva^TM test is one of the first detection tools to reliably predict women that would most benefit from surgery.  If not interested or ready for surgery, the MyReceptiva^TM test can help identify patients that would most benefit from the various medications now available to alleviate pain and symptoms associated with endometriosis while at the same time providing women knowledge of a disease that can affect future fertility decisions. Please note that the detection or non-detection of uterine inflammation and associated endometriosis via BCL6 should not be used as a diagnostic tool for any specific health condition. Only your physician provider has access to your complete medical history to make clinical and treatment decisions.

Does the MyReceptiva^TM test have the support of healthcare professionals?

Endometriosis surgeons support the use of MyReceptiva^TM testing because of its high accuracy.  Multiple independent studies by endometriosis surgeons have shown an over 90% concordance between positive MyReceptiva^TM results and subsequent laparoscopic findings of endometriosis or other inflammatory conditions. This allows for faster diagnosis and more effective treatment options. The ability to refer the proper patients to the right specialist is the key to reducing the time to diagnosis of endometriosis, which currently is 7-10 years!

Are there any other tests available that can detect endometriosis?

There are no other proven laboratory tests for the detection of endometriosis. The use of ultrasound and other technologies are being offered in some healthcare settings but have severe limitations in their abilities to detect or visualize all forms of
endometriosis. Except for diagnostic laparoscopy, no detection methods are currently offered that can provide greater than 90% detection rates for endometriosis.

Will my doctor know about MyReceptiva^TM testing?

Physicians such as Obstetricians (OBs) are just learning about MyReceptiva^TM and its powerful ability to detect endometriosis via uterine inflammation. To help you engage with your physician about MyReceptiva^TM testing, please review the downloadable information we provide on this website to share with your provider in advance of your biopsy visit.

I’ve heard about a test called ReceptivaDx used by fertility centers. What is the difference between MyReceptiva^TM and that test?

ReceptivaDx™ is the original test first introduced to the fertility market back in 2017. The ReceptivaDx™ test is used exclusively for women going through IVF and provides answers to fertility specialists for women that are experiencing IVF failure and/or
pregnancy loss following an IVF transfer.

The MyReceptiva™ test is a cost-effective and more widely available version of the ReceptivaDx test. In addition to helping women with fertility challenges that are not working with an IVF center and/or do not plan to seek advanced fertility assistance, the MyReceptiva™ test is now being offered to assist in early detection of endometriosis in non-fertility patients.

MyReceptiva^TM offers a qualitative result (positive or negative) that indicates the likelihood of endometriosis being present. The MyReceptiva^TM test shares the same level of accuracy as the ReceptivaDx test. The MyReceptiva^TM  test is $585 US vs $690 US for the quantitative ReceptivaDx test. The difference in cost is related to the expanded result information provided to IVF specialists on whether to treat patients before proceeding with an IVF transfer.

What is involved in an endometrial biopsy?

During a routine office visit, a thin catheter (compared to a spaghetti noodle in diameter) is gently inserted thru the vaginal canal, then passed through the cervix into your uterus. Placed against your uterine lining, a suction-like technique is used to pull cells from the uterine lining into the tube. You will experience temporary discomfort and possibly some light cramping in the 5-10 minutes following the procedure. Most patients can resume normal daily activities within 15-20 minutes after a brief resting period. The sample is collected into a vial with preservative and then shipped overnight to our lab location.

Who can collect an endometrial biopsy?

Endometrial biopsies are collected during a routine office visit and can be done by any women’s healthcare specialist with the proper training. Your Ob-Gyn office can easily assist with the taking of this biopsy. Biopsy collection information is available for download below to share with your healthcare professional. This same information is available on our MyReceptiva^TM App and will also be provided in the MyReceptiva^TM Collection Kit.

How long do results take?

Per healthcare guidelines, MyReceptiva^TM test results are communicated back to your physician within 7-10 business days. Although results are sometimes available sooner, your office needs time to review and chart results before contacting you.