Adults

  1. Persistent, not intermittent, fatigue for more than six months, causing incapacity
  2. No other medical cause identified.
  3. Basic blood tests have been carried out, with results attached to the referral. These should include those investigations recommended by the Colleges’ Report:
    • Full blood count, differential white cell count
    • ESR or CRP
    • Creatinine and electrolytes
    • Liver function tests
    • Thyroid function
    • Glucose
    • Endomysial antibody [tissue transglutaminase antibody]
    • Urine dipstick
  4. Test results should be normal; any abnormality should be investigated on its merits before referral

Children

It is accepted that investigation of an unwell child should not necessarily wait 6 months. Referral to secondary care paediatrics is therefore appropriate at the discretion of the GP.

Chronic fatigue syndrome