Dr. Swank had a blood test for MS. I had it in his office. He took a drop of my blood and placed it under a microscope, then placed a drop of oil on my blood. He would diagnose MS if the oil made the blood particles move slower than average. Mine moved slower than average, so he diagnosed MS.
However, Swank did use the other standard tests as well as this test. This test was based on his belief that an autoimmune reaction occurs in MS patients if they consume more than a slight amount of saturated fat. The body attacks its "fat" in the myelin if it is already conditioned by eating fat. He pointed out the much lower incidence of MS during war in Europe (WWII), when people could not get red meat or butter, and had to eat less fatty substances. This is in his book on MS.
My obvious neurological reaction to anything more than a "sample" of red meat or other saturated fat makes me satisfied with Swank's opinion, but he did say that there must be further research to find out what is "missing" in MS blood. He sent my blood to Europe along with other samples, to do research there on what is "missing". But this research didn't go anywhere that I am aware of, as he soon retired and got no money to support his research.
This is shortsighted not to support his research. Even if one thinks his ideas are too far out, what better research is being done? Money for this would not be wasted.
However, I am not in contact with anyone presently doing this research, if they are. I am not pleased with such lack of intelligence. Perhaps someone could phrase that more colorfully, but at present I am trying not to "swear."

Mariel