Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

10 Facts about Hemochromatosis

Diagnosis for Hemochromatosis

It can be hard to diagnose hemochromatosis as its symptoms are quite similar to other conditions. Some tests might be performed to confirm the presence of this condition. The simplest method is a blood test, which can check the levels of iron in your blood. In general, a test result of more than 45% is often considered high. Your doctor might also perform a DNA test to check for mutations in the hemojuvelin and HFE genes. Another option is a liver biopsy, which involves the removal of tissue from your liver for lab testing. This is because iron buildup often causes damage first in this organ. [5]