Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is hard to diagnose. Fatigue is an extremely common problem, and it can have many other causes. CFS can be diagnosed only by ruling out other conditions.

First, your doctor will take your Reference medical history and do a physical exam. Experts have come up with a specific list of symptoms to decide whether a person has CFS. Doctors use a variety of tests to rule out other conditions. These tests usually include:

• Reference Complete blood count (CBC), which provides important information about the kinds and numbers of cells in your blood.
• Reference Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube. This tells whether or not certain types of inflammation are present.
• Reference Blood glucose level, used to check for diabetes.
• Reference Thyroid-stimulating hormone test, used to detect problems that affect the thyroid gland.
• Reference Chemistry panel, a blood test that provides information about your general state of health.
• Reference Urinalysis, a urine test that can provide information about your overall health and clues to many conditions.

These are routine lab tests. Other tests may be done if your symptoms, history, and physical exam suggest other possible problems. Additional tests may include:

• Reference ANA (antinuclear antibodies), to check for Reference lupus Opens New Window (systemic lupus erythematosus).
• Reference Rheumatoid factor, to check for Reference rheumatoid arthritis Opens New Window.
• Reference HIV test, to check for Reference human immunodeficiency virus Opens New Window (HIV) infection.
• Reference Tests for Lyme disease, if you may have been exposed to ticks.
• Reference Skin test, for Reference tuberculosis Opens New Window.
• Reference Hepatitis A, Reference hepatitis B, or Reference hepatitis C tests.

Some doctors may order tests that check your Reference immune system Opens New Window. These can be expensive and generally are done only in research settings. Also, it's hard to know what the findings of these tests mean, because so little is known about the immune system's connection to chronic fatigue syndrome.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.