PathAdvantage | 03/12/2026For most patients, abnormal uterine bleeding can be extremely concerning. Diagnosing the cause often requires sampling the endometrium, previously a painful process for many women.
Fortunately, modern sampling devices now allow clinicians to evaluate the endometrium gently, precisely and in an outpatient setting.
At PathAdvantage, we use the MatrixBrush, a proprietary endometrial sampling device designed by our founder, Dr. Alexandra Gillespie, to provide accurate results with less discomfort, and without increasing costs for patients.
Why Endometrial Sampling Matters
Endometrial (uterine) cancer is now the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. Unlike cervical cancer, which is detected through routine Pap and HPV testing, endometrial cancer has no universal screening program.
The earliest sign, abnormal uterine or postmenopausal bleeding, often appears before the disease progresses. When this symptom occurs, obtaining an endometrial sample is the key step in determining if there are benign, precancerous, or malignant changes causing the bleeding.
Historically, evaluation of the endometrium relied on dilation and curettage (D&C), an operating-room procedure requiring anesthesia and recovery time. While accurate, D&C is invasive, time consuming and expensive, so physicians turned to in-office tools such as the pipelle or aspiration devices. Although these techniques are more convenient, they still have drawbacks. They can cause moderate cramping, and, more significantly, they may collect only limited portions of the endometrium. Some studies have shown that pipelle sampling can miss focal abnormalities, leading to variable diagnostic accuracy.
The MatrixBrush Advantage in Endometrial Sampling
The MatrixBrush represents the next generation of uterine sampling, and features a soft, flexible, fabric-tipped design that gently conforms to the shape of the uterine cavity.
This innovation allows clinicians to:
- Collect a complete, representative sample from across the endometrial surface.
- Reduce discomfort. Most patients report only mild or even no cramping.
- Obtain high-quality specimens suitable for both cytologic and histologic assessment.
- Perform the procedure easily in an office setting, with no anesthesia required.
Accuracy Backed by Research
Peer-reviewed studies of similar endometrial brush devices (such as the Tao Brush) show specimen adequacy rates of 90-100 percent and diagnostic accuracy of 91-96 percent. In PathAdvantage’s experience, the MatrixBrush matches these results while offering exceptional patient tolerance.
At PathAdvantage, our experienced gynecologic pathologists find that endometrial brush specimens are easily interpretable and diagnostic, when compared to pipelle or other endometrial biopsy specimens.
Comfort Without Added Cost
Despite its advanced design, the MatrixBrush does not increase procedure costs. Patients receive a gentler, thorough exam and the same 24-hour turnaround time for results as with all PathAdvantage specimens. For clinicians, the streamlined process supports higher patient satisfaction and improved compliance with recommended testing.
Endometrial evaluation is a crucial step in protecting women’s health, but it doesn’t need to be painful or intimidating. The MatrixBrush delivers the accuracy your doctor requires with the comfort you deserve, and it’s available today at PathAdvantage.
Sources
Du J et al. Endometrial sampling devices for early diagnosis of endometrial lesions. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2016;142(12):2515-2522. doi: 10.1007/s00432-016-2215-3.
PathAdvantage internal review: Endometrial sampling devices for early diagnosis of endometrial lesions (2024). PathAdvantage Laboratories, Dallas, TX.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gynecologic Cancers: What Women Need to Know. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/index.htm.