Testing for fibromyalgia primarily involves a clinical diagnosis based on a patient's symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. There is no single definitive test for fibromyalgia; rather, diagnosis is based on identifying widespread pain affecting at least four of five body regions for at least three months, plus symptom severity assessment. Key methods to test for fibromyalgia include:
- Symptom evaluation and medical history: Doctors assess widespread pain distribution, symptom duration (at least 3 months), and other symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, headaches, and mood disorders using tools like the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS).
- Physical exam: Includes assessment of tender points (traditionally 18 specified points) or more comprehensive symptom surveys.
- Exclusion of other conditions: Blood tests may be done to rule out diseases with similar symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disorders, or celiac disease. Common tests include complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid hormone levels, antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-CCP antibody, and celiac serology.
- FM/a Test (experimental): A newer blood test measuring cytokine levels in immune cells may help distinguish fibromyalgia but is not yet widely used or accepted as definitive.
- Imaging tests: Generally not used to diagnose fibromyalgia but may be used to rule out other conditions.
In summary, fibromyalgia testing focuses on symptom-based criteria, confirmed by medical evaluation and by ruling out other causes of widespread pain.
