ScreenMe

ScreenMe: intimate and reproductive microbiome diagnostics

ScreenMe is a British health diagnostics company focused on the analysis of the intimate and reproductive microbiome. Its activity combines laboratory testing with professional advice: each package includes a free consultation with a specialist and a personalised recommendations plan. The company was founded by Dr Golnoush Golshirazi, Dr Lukasz Ciszewski and a third partner, and arose from Golshirazi's personal experience with endometriosis and hormonal imbalance.

Available microbiome tests

ScreenMe's catalogue is organised around five types of analysis:

• Vaginal microbiome: aimed at bacterial vaginosis, cytolytic vaginosis, thrush and infections; urinary tract infections; fertility and IVF; vaginal symptoms such as pain, burning, itching or discomfort; and vaginal dryness and menopause.
• Semen microbiome: focused on infections in the man or his partner, improving sperm health and reproductive success rates, and prostate health.
• Urine microbiome.
• Uterine blood microbiome.

The company presents these tests as tools to reduce complications and increase success rates in fertility and IVF treatments, as well as to address recurrent intimate discomfort.

What it analyses and with what technology

ScreenMe states that, rather than limiting itself to a short list of microorganisms, its analyses cover all bacteria and yeast present in the sample. The panel includes all Lactobacillus species (protective bacteria that maintain the pH of the reproductive tract), all commensal and pathogenic bacteria — such as Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, bacterial vaginosis or streptococci — and all yeast and fungi species, including all Candida species and moulds such as Aspergillus.

To do this, it uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, which the company describes as the best method for analysing vaginal and seminal microbiomes due to its ability to identify microorganisms even at very low abundances and to classify them at species or strain level. ScreenMe contrasts this approach with the conventional PCR method, which only detects a selection of microorganisms. The company attributes 99.99% accuracy to its technology.

Four-step analysis process

The service is structured in four stages: ordering the test online, collecting the sample at home, obtaining results within three to five weeks, and a free one-to-one consultation with a specialist. The company states that it supports the user throughout the entire process and that it allows tracking of changes and symptoms to adapt plans.

Company profile and outlook

ScreenMe presents itself as a femtech company and has been recognised with the First in FemTech award, which distinguishes significant contributions to innovation in women's health. Inc. Arabia reported on its plans for expansion into Middle Eastern markets. The company has established a partnership with The IVF Network to offer its members an exclusive broadcast on the impact of the reproductive microbiome on IVF success, risk of miscarriage and unexplained infertility. It has also participated, together with Zest, in an event on fertility support in the workplace, with contributions from its fertility and career coach, Jennifer Elworthy, and Golshirazi herself.

Outreach and content

The company maintains a blog with informative articles on urological health, the impact of tampons and pads on the vaginal microbiome, the uterine microbiome, spontaneous preterm birth and the relationship between the seminal microbiome and sperm parameters, among other topics. These contents are supported by summaries of published scientific studies.

Location and contact

Unit 3, Hampstead Gate 1A, Frognal, London, NW3 6AL · Phone: +442078421011