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Getting Diagnosed
At this stage, there are no specific diagnostic tests available that can be done in a clinical setting to confirm ME/CFS.
However, healthcare professionals can make a diagnosis by using the diagnostic criteria, excluding other possible conditions, and ensuring that post-exertional malaise (PEM) is present.
Your doctor is likely to refer to the clinical advice for ME/CFS on the Health Pathways website provided by Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand and may:
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Ask about you and your family’s health history.
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Ask about anything you have tried that makes the symptoms better or worse.
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Suggest that you keep a diary of symptoms and activity.
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Carry out an examination to identify alternative underlying disorders. They may look for any weight changes, difficulty with self-care, and issues with heart rate and blood pressure when moving to an upright position, and also, check for lymphadenopathy, thyroid disease, cardiac or pulmonary disease, joint or connective tissue disease, and neurological issues such as myopathy and multiple sclerosis.
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Request baseline blood tests for CBC, CRP, ferritin, electrolytes, renal and liver function, calcium, magnesium, blood glucose/HbA1c, B12, vitamin D, thyroid function, coeliac antibodies. If your illness is post-viral, they may also test for Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and HIV. Depending on your symptoms, they may also test for immunoglobulins, antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid titres, creatine kinase, and cortisol.
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Request an ECG and chest x-ray if you experience palpitations, chest pain or shortness of breath.
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Consider long COVID if your symptoms appear to have been triggered by COVID-19 infection.
We have a letter that you can take to your GP to let them know about the new clinical guidelines for ME/CFS on the Health Pathways website.
Our Registered Nurse Service is available to support you when you are wondering if you have ME/CFS and are seeking a diagnosis. Our nurses work through the assessment process against the diagnostic criteria with you, and then, with your permission, can share the result with your GP.