Diagnosis of ME/CFS

No confirmatory test to diagnose ME/CFS is currently available. While many biological abnormalities have been reported in patients with the illness, none of these “biomarkers” have a sufficiently low false negative and false positive rate to constitute a diagnostic test. A healthcare provider can make the diagnosis of ME/CFS based on a thorough medical history and physical examination, laboratory test results (see Evaluation), and evaluating for other fatiguing illnesses with a targeted work-up. Comorbid conditions are often present and may include: sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression or anxiety. The presence of these conditions does not exclude the diagnosis of ME/CFS.

Disclaimer: The content of this ME/CFS website is for informational purposes only and does not represent a federal guideline or recommendation for the treatment of ME/CFS. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a substitute for the medical judgment of the healthcare provider and does not indicate an exclusive course of action or treatment.