Laboratory evaluation of chronic fatigue

Specific physical findings such as nonexudative pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, skin rashes, muscle tenderness and orthostatic hypotension are often seen in chronic fatigue syndrome patients. The Romberg test and tandem gait test may be abnormal in up to 20% of chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

For all patients

• Complete blood cell count with differential
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Urinalysis

Other tests based on findings

• Thyroid stimulating hormone
• Blood Chemistry levels:
• Alanine aminotransferase
• Aspartate aminotransferase
• Blood urea nitrogen
• Electrolytes
• Glucose
• Heterophil antibody test (Monospot)
• Serologic studies for Lyme or HIV antibody titers