Revolutionary Blood Test Accurately Diagnoses Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), is a long-term debilitating illness that affects millions worldwide, including over 400,000 people in the UK. The condition causes extreme fatigue unrelieved by rest and remains poorly understood, often leading to years of misdiagnosis or dismissal due to the absence of a definitive test. Researchers have now developed a high-accuracy blood test capable of diagnosing ME/CFS with 96 percent accuracy, offering a potential breakthrough for patients.

The discovery was made by scientists at the University of East Anglia (Norwich, UK) in collaboration with Oxford BioDynamics (Oxford, UK) using advanced EpiSwitch 3D Genomics technology. The research examined how DNA folds within blood samples from 47 patients with severe ME/CFS and 61 healthy individuals, identifying distinct patterns unique to patients with the condition. The approach uses epigenetic markers—chemical and structural changes in DNA folding—to detect disease signatures, as fixed genetic mutations do not cause ME/CFS.

Image: Advanced EpiSwitch 3D genomics technology could become a vital clinical tool for diagnosing ME/CFS (Photo courtesy of Oxford BioDynamics)

The study, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, found that the test achieved 92 percent sensitivity and 98 percent specificity in identifying ME/CFS. These results indicate the test’s strong reliability in distinguishing affected individuals from healthy controls. The researchers also detected immune system and inflammation-related pathways involved in ME/CFS, providing new biological insights that may guide future therapeutic development.

This blood test represents a significant advancement in diagnosing ME/CFS and could pave the way for a similar approach to detect long Covid, which exhibits overlapping symptoms. By identifying epigenetic signatures rather than genetic mutations, the technology allows for rapid, scalable diagnostics for complex inflammatory and neurological diseases. The team envisions the EpiSwitch CFS test becoming a vital clinical tool, enabling earlier diagnosis, more accurate patient stratification, and targeted treatment strategies.

“This is a significant step forward. For the first time, we have a simple blood test that can reliably identify ME/CFS—potentially transforming how we diagnose and manage this complex disease,” said Professor Dmitry Pshezhetskiy, Professor at the Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, and lead researcher of the study. “We hope that the Episwitch CFS test could become a vital tool in clinical settings, paving the way for more personalised and effective care.”

Related Links:
University of East Anglia
Oxford BioDynamics