Hemochromatosis - Overview
Hemochromatosis is a condition that causes your body to absorb too much iron from food and store it in your organs, especially the liver, pancreas, and heart. Too much iron can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart problems, diabetes, and liver disease.
Hemochromatosis - Testing
Many people who have hemochromatosis don’t experience symptoms right away, so testing is essential to diagnose and treat the condition. Some common tests for hemochromatosis include blood tests, liver function tests, an MRI, liver tissue testing, and testing for gene mutations.
Hemochromatosis - Testing Labs
Testing for hemochromatosis can be done through your family doctor or at a clinic where lab and blood testing is done.
Hemochromatosis - Testing results
The most common tests for hemochromatosis are blood tests. When testing the blood, either serum transferrin saturation testing can be done or serum ferritin. Serum transferrin saturation measures the amount of iron bound to protein that carries iron in your blood. Transferrin saturation levels over 45% indicate the possible presence of hemochromatosis. A serum ferritin test measures the amount of iron stored in your liver. If the results from a serum transferrin saturation test are higher than normal, a doctor will then check your serum ferritin.
Hemochromatosis Testing Online
Testing for hemochromatosis cannot be done online, but appointments to get tested can be scheduled online.
How long will it take to get my results?
Test results may take up to 24 hours or longer to get back, and more tests may need to be performed for the most accurate results.
Can I use my health insurance?
Most insurance providers will cover costs and treatment associated with a hemochromatosis diagnosis.
