Breakthrough Blood Test Achieves 96% Accuracy in Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A new blood test using epigenetic technology has achieved 96% accuracy in diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome, offering hope for better management of this complex condition.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia and Oxford Biodynamics have announced the development of a highly accurate blood test capable of diagnosing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) with 96% precision. This long-sought diagnostic tool could significantly improve the identification and management of this debilitating condition, which affects millions worldwide, including over 400,000 in the UK. Historically, ME/CFS has been poorly understood and difficult to diagnose due to the absence of reliable tests, leading to frequent misdiagnoses and patient frustration.
The innovative test leverages advanced epigenetic technology known as EpiSwitch, which analyzes how DNA is folded in three dimensions within blood cells. This folding influences gene regulation and can reflect disease-specific patterns. The team examined blood samples from 47 patients with severe ME/CFS and 61 healthy controls, discovering a consistent epigenetic signature unique to the illness.
Lead researcher Prof. Dmitry Pshezhetskiy explained that ME/CFS presents with symptoms such as extreme fatigue unrelieved by rest, often leading to social misunderstandings and dismissals. The new test stands to change this landscape by providing a quick, simple, and accurate diagnostic method. Additionally, the research suggests that similar approaches could be adapted to diagnose long COVID, which shares many symptoms with ME/CFS.
The team employed Oxford BioDynamics’ proprietary 3D genomics platform, which has previously been successful in identifying blood markers for diseases like ALS, rheumatoid arthritis, and prostate cancer. Their findings revealed specific DNA folding patterns that are reliably present in ME/CFS patients but not in healthy individuals. The test demonstrated 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity, indicating its effectiveness in correctly identifying those with and without the disease.
This discovery not only promises to facilitate earlier diagnosis but also opens avenues for targeted treatments by understanding involved immune and inflammation pathways. Prof. Pshezhetskiy emphasized that this blood test could transform clinical approaches to ME/CFS, enabling more personalized and effective care.
The research was conducted in collaboration with The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and is detailed in the Journal of Translational Medicine (2025). More information can be accessed at source.
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