A new method to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome using red blood cells

Develop a novel red blood cell-based microfluidic approach to assess and diagnose ME/CFS

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-10993192

This study is looking at a new way to help diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) by checking how well red blood cells react to low oxygen levels, and it will involve both ME/CFS patients and healthy people to see how their responses differ.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10993192 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) by examining how red blood cells respond to oxygen levels in the body. The study will utilize microfluidic technology to measure the velocity of red blood cells in response to low oxygen conditions, comparing results from ME/CFS patients to healthy individuals. By analyzing these responses, the research aims to establish a new laboratory test that could help diagnose ME/CFS and monitor its progression. The study will involve 96 participants, including both patients and healthy controls, to ensure comprehensive data collection.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with other chronic conditions unrelated to ME/CFS may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a reliable laboratory test for diagnosing ME/CFS, leading to better management and treatment options for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary results suggest that similar approaches have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this novel method.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.