First blood test for chronic fatigue syndrome developed
Scientists develop first blood test to diagnose ME/CFS, offering hope for earlier diagnosis. But experts urge caution.
Why it matters
- No definitive test exists for ME/CFS, leading to misdiagnosis.
- Early diagnosis could improve patient management.
By the numbers
- 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity in detecting ME/CFS.
- Tested on 47 ME/CFS patients and 61 healthy adults.
The big picture
- Test identifies unique DNA folding patterns in ME/CFS patients.
- Epigenetic markers (not fixed genes) are key to accuracy.
What they're saying
- Experts call for larger studies and validation in broader populations.
- Some say claims are premature; test may be expensive (~£1,000).
Caveats
- Small sample size (47 patients).
- Needs validation in larger, independent studies.
What’s next
- Larger studies to confirm findings.
- Evaluation in patients with similar symptoms (e.g., autoimmune diseases).