Fibromyalgia can be detected in blood samples and differentiated from related diseases, according to a study from The Ohio State University. Currently, the disease, which is characterized by chronic pain and fatigue, is frequently misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because doctors rely on information given by patients and their evaluation of a patient's pain.

There is no clear-cut, easy-to-use test that provides a quick, accurate answer. The study included people with a fibromyalgia diagnosis along with those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lupus.

Using a technique called vibrational spectroscopy, which measures the energy levels of molecules within blood samples, researchers found there were clear patterns unique to those with fibromyalgia. They also found their technique might be able to determine the severity of disease.

In addition to discovering the biomarkers — metabolic fingerprints — that can be used to diagnose the disease, researchers hope they will lead to targeted treatments.

"We found clear, reproducible metabolic patterns in the blood of dozens of patients with fibromyalgia," lead researcher Kevin Hackshaw said. "This brings us much closer to a blood test."