Fatigue can be defined as a feeling of overall tiredness or a lack of energy, wherein the individual may not feel capable of doing daily activities. Some people might confuse fatigue with a feeling of being sleepy; however, they are not the same. Feeling drowsy may be a symptom of fatigue, but it is a different thing. Fatigue occurs in many medical conditions and can range from mild to severe, it can also happen due to lifestyle factors like poor nutritional choices, lack of exercise, etc. Since fatigue can occur due to so many reasons, it is advisable to get a Fatigue Test to determine and clearly diagnose your condition. A Low Energy Test or Fatigue Test can help in diagnosing if your fatigue is caused due to an underlying medical condition, a deficiency or, something else, and help you take the necessary steps in improving it so that you can lead a healthier and happier life. A Fatigue Test can include a battery of tests depending upon any other symptoms, medical condition, lifestyle, etc which the doctor will assess. A Fatigue Test is not one specific test to diagnose fatigue, but can encompass many blood or urine tests to diagnose the cause. The Fatigue Test sample is taken by the phlebotomist and sent to the lab to perform the specific test.

Fatigue can be caused by many different reasons. These reasons can be broadly classified into three categories:

• Lifestyle factors - Lack of physical activity, exertion, lack of sleep, nutritional deficiencies, obesity, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, etc.
• Physical health issues - Anemia, Thyroid issues, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, arthritis, sleep disorders, eating disorders, autoimmune conditions, liver disease, and kidney disease, among others.
• Mental health problems - Anxiety, depression, seasonal affective disorder, etc.

Why Fatigue Testing is important?

Fatigue is a common symptom for many illnesses ranging from mild to serious, in case of lifestyle factors, fatigue may resolve itself once the underlying issue is addressed like a proper diet or exercise. However, if fatigue is due to a medical condition then it is necessary to get proper tests done to determine the cause. Early diagnosis through a Fatigue Test can help in diagnosing serious conditions and taking the necessary treatment at the right time.

A Fatigue Test may be essential if you:

• Can think of a clear reason for it.
• Have a higher than normal temperature.
• Experience sudden weight loss.
• Have temperature sensitivity.
• Have trouble sleeping on a regular basis.
• Believe that you are depressed.

Since fatigue can also be caused by serious medical conditions you should seek immediate medical help if fatigue is accompanied by:

• Rectal bleeding
• Severe headache
• Chest pains
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm

How Fatigue Test is performed?

While there is no one specific Fatigue Test that looks for the signs of fatigue in the blood, there are many tests that a doctor may recommend, determining the cause. Depending on the type of Fatigue Test recommended the phlebotomist will collect a sample of blood or urine from you which is sent to the lab to test for the specific parameter.