ME/CFS Society of WA: Diagnosing ME/CFS

There is currently no single biomarker or diagnostic test that can be used to clearly identify ME/CFS. Because of this the disease is diagnosed by comparing and positively matching a person's symptoms to those found in the case definition and then carefully excluding all other illnesses with similar symptoms. The case definition is a list of symptoms that it has been agreed are typically found in people affected by the disease (see Symptoms).

Step 1. Positively match symptoms with case definition

Step 2. Exclude other similar diseases/illnesses

Although there isn't currently a single diagnostic test for the disease there are a number of abnormal laboratory findings that an experienced clinician will use to guide diagnosis and subsequently treatment.

Many illnesses such as Hypothyroidism, Lupus and Lyme Disease have similar or overlapping symptoms, as do Fibromyalgia and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity which may co-exist with ME/CFS, and these also have to be considered.

ME/CFS is a complex and difficult disease to diagnose and may entail more than one visit to your doctor and possibly other specialists.