Scientists report a major breakthrough with the first-ever blood test for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), showing over 92% accuracy in early trials and offering hope for faster, more definitive diagnoses.
October 8, 2025
Source:
Advanced Science News
Scientific Breakthrough in ME/CFS Diagnosis
Scientists have developed what is being called the world’s first accurate blood test for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a condition that has historically eluded a simple diagnostic tool.
This development offers a beacon of hope for millions suffering from the debilitating illness.
Pioneering Research
The groundbreaking work was led by researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA), in a collaboration with Oxford BioDynamics and other institutions. The team utilized an advanced genomic testing platform to pinpoint a biological marker for ME/CFS.
The test identifies a unique epigenetic signature in the blood of patients. According to initial reports, it has demonstrated an accuracy rate between 92% and 96% in distinguishing ME/CFS patients from healthy individuals.
How the Test Works
The new diagnostic tool employs the EpiSwitch technology, which examines the 3D structure of DNA in a patient's blood cells. It detects abnormal folding patterns that are specific to ME/CFS, providing a clear, objective biomarker.
Technology Used: EpiSwitch genomic analysis.
What it Detects: Unique DNA folding patterns in immune cells.
Result: A reliable, biological indicator of ME/CFS.
Until now, diagnosing ME/CFS has been a lengthy process of elimination, often leaving patients in a state of uncertainty for years. More information on the current diagnostic criteria can be found on the CDC's website.
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Source:
The Independent
Transforming Patient Lives
For those living with ME/CFS, a complex and often misunderstood condition, this new test could be life-changing. The disease is characterized by extreme fatigue, cognitive dysfunction known as "brain fog," sleep problems, and post-exertional malaise.
Ending the Diagnostic Odyssey
The primary benefit of an accurate blood test is the potential to drastically shorten the time to diagnosis. Many patients spend years navigating the healthcare system, undergoing numerous tests to rule out other conditions like multiple sclerosis or lupus, before receiving an ME/CFS diagnosis.
A definitive test would provide answers quickly, allowing for earlier access to management and support strategies.
Validation and Reduced Stigma
Beyond the clinical benefits, an objective biological marker provides powerful validation. Patients have often reported feeling dismissed or disbelieved by medical professionals and even family members.
"A biological test may help reduce the stigma and disbelief often faced by those with ME/CFS," one report noted. This shift could fundamentally change how the illness is perceived, moving it from a "mystery illness" to a recognized, measurable disease.
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Source:
Gizmodo
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