Description
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is a long-term illness that causes severe fatigue and makes it difficult to perform daily activities.
This panel includes the following test:
ANA, ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern IFA, ANA with Reflux
C-Reactive Protein Test (CRP)
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Cortisol AM
Epstein-Barr Virus IgG/IGM Panel
Erythropoietin (EPO)
Ferritin
Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1C)
Insulin-Like Growth Factor IGF-1
Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity TIBC
TSH, Third Generation
Zinc Protoporphyrin
Fasting not required.
Additional information about each test is listed below:
An "ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern" test, often ordered when investigating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a blood test that checks for the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and if positive, will automatically proceed to determine the specific antibody level (titer) and the pattern of staining on the cells, which can help identify potential autoimmune diseases associated with a positive ANA result; however, a positive ANA alone is not diagnostic for CFS, as many healthy people can have a mildly positive ANA, and further investigation is usually needed to confirm a diagnosis.
A C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test can be used to assess inflammation in individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), as studies have shown that some CFS patients may exhibit slightly elevated CRP levels compared to healthy individuals, indicating a potential low-grade systemic inflammation; however, the results are not conclusive and a high CRP alone is not diagnostic for CFS due to its non-specific nature and potential overlap with other conditions.
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a standard blood test often performed when evaluating a patient for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as it can help rule out other conditions that might be causing fatigue, such as anemia or infection, by assessing the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood; however, a normal CBC result does not definitively diagnose CFS as there is no specific lab test for the condition.
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test often used in conjunction with investigating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as it can help identify potential underlying metabolic issues that might be contributing to fatigue, by checking levels of important substances like glucose, electrolytes, liver enzymes, and kidney function markers; however, a CMP alone cannot diagnose CFS as there is no single definitive test for the condition, and diagnosis usually relies on symptom evaluation and exclusion of other potential causes.
In the context of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), "cortisol AM" refers to the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, measured in the morning (AM) when it is typically at its peak, and research indicates that people with CFS often exhibit lower morning cortisol levels compared to healthy individuals, a phenomenon sometimes called "hypocortisolism" in CFS patients; meaning their body may not produce a normal surge of cortisol upon waking up, potentially contributing to fatigue symptoms.
An Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) IgG/IGM panel can help determine if someone has a primary EBV infection or if they have antibodies to the virus.
In the context of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone that plays a role in red blood cell production, and some research suggests that low EPO levels might contribute to fatigue symptoms experienced by CFS patients, particularly if there is an underlying anemia related to the condition.
In the context of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), checking ferritin levels is important because low ferritin, which indicates iron deficiency, is often associated with fatigue, a primary symptom of CFS; addressing iron deficiency by monitoring ferritin can potentially alleviate fatigue and improve energy levels in CFS patients, even if low ferritin isn't the sole cause of the syndrome.
While a direct link between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels isn't definitively established, research suggests that abnormal blood sugar levels, as indicated by a high HbA1c, might contribute to fatigue symptoms experienced by individuals with CFS; therefore, checking HbA1c levels could be part of a comprehensive evaluation for CFS patients, especially if they exhibit symptoms related to potential metabolic issues.
Research suggests that people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) often exhibit lower levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone crucial for growth and development, indicating a potential disruption in the growth hormone-IGF-1 axis within the body, which may contribute to the fatigue experienced by CFS patients.
When considering Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and iron levels, a blood test measuring Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) can be important as it indicates the body's capacity to carry iron, and abnormalities in TIBC, particularly a high TIBC, can sometimes be associated with symptoms of fatigue related to iron deficiency, although the relationship between CFS and iron levels is complex and not fully understood.
The TSH 3rd Generation Test is an advanced test that measures TSH levels with increased sensitivity and accuracy. The main purpose of the test is to help diagnose and monitor thyroid disorders, such as Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. Neither high nor low TSH levels are good and indicate a problem.
A high zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) level in a blood test can be an indicator of potential iron deficiency, which is sometimes linked to symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
