Bioimpedance spectroscopy characterization of osmotic stress processes
in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME-CFS) blood
samples
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/ CFS) is a
disabling, chronic, multi-system and complex disease. Currently, there
are no specific laboratory tests to directly [diagnose
ME/CFS](https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/symptoms-diagnosis/diagnosis.html).
In this work we study the use of impedance spectroscopy as a potential
technique for the diagnosis of this disease. A specific device for the
electrical characterization of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was
designed and implemented. Impedance spectroscopy measurements in the
range from 1 Hz to 500 MHz were made after osmotic stress of the samples
with sodium chloride solution 1M. The evolution in time after the
osmotic stress at two specific frequencies (1.36 kHz and 154 kHz) was
analysed. The device showed its sensitivity to the presence of cells and
the evolution of the osmotic process. Higher values of impedance were
measured for 1.36 kHz in ME/CFS patients compared to control samples.
Results help to further understand the relation of bioimpedance
measurements with ME/CFS samples physical properties and osmotic
processes.