Researchers at the University of East Anglia say they’ve developed the first reliable blood test for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
The condition, marked by extreme exhaustion and often dismissed as psychological, currently has no definitive diagnostic test.
Lead researcher Prof Dmitry Pshezhetskiy said the discovery could “transform how we diagnose and manage this complex disease.”
The team, working with Oxford Biodynamics, found unique DNA folding patterns in blood samples from ME/CFS patients.
The test showed 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity, meaning it accurately detects the illness and rules out false cases.
“This is a significant step forward,” Pshezhetskiy said. “It offers hope for faster, more accurate diagnosis.”
However, experts urged caution, stressing that larger, independent studies are needed before clinical use.
Dr Charles Shepherd of the ME Association called it “an important step,” but warned it must be proven across broader patient groups.
Prof Chris Ponting said claims were “premature” and that the test could cost around £1,000 per patient.
