ME/CFS Blood Test May Aid Diagnosis but Faces Cost and Validation Challenges
400,000 UK residents suffer prolonged misdiagnosis of ME/CFS, prompting an NHS review after Maeve Boothby O'Neill’s death.
Researchers used EpiSwitch 3D Genomics technology to analyze DNA folding in blood from 47 ME/CFS patients and 61 healthy controls.
The test showed 92% sensitivity and 98% specificity, but costs around £1,000, raising access concerns.
The study is a proof-of-concept with confounders like age, sex, and severity, requiring independent validation.