Researchers in the UK say they have developed the world’s first accurate blood test for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
The condition currently has no diagnostic test, leaving many patients undiagnosed or dismissed for years.
Led by Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy of the University of East Anglia, the study found a distinct DNA-folding pattern in ME/CFS patients’ blood.
Testing 47 patients and 61 healthy adults, scientists achieved 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity.
“This is a significant step forward,” Pshezhetskiy said. “For the first time, we can reliably identify ME/CFS.”
The test, developed with Oxford Biodynamics, uses epigenetic markers that change over a person’s lifetime.
However, experts urged caution. Dr Charles Shepherd said larger, independent studies are needed to confirm the results.
Prof Chris Ponting warned that claims were “premature” and noted the test could cost around £1,000.
Still, researchers hope the discovery could speed up diagnosis and improve care for patients long left in limbo.
