A new method to diagnose myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome using red blood cells
Official title: Develop a novel red blood cell-based microfluidic approach to assess and diagnose ME/CFS
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10993192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $182,069 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175960-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993192 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other chronic conditions unrelated to ME/CFS may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Preliminary results suggest that similar approaches have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this novel method.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wan, Jiandi — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Wan, Jiandi
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.