Iron overload disorder
Haemochromatosis can usually be diagnosed with blood tests.
Speak to your GP about getting tested if:
The tests you may have are outlined below.
Several blood tests are needed to diagnose haemochromatosis.
You'll have tests to check:
These tests willhelp showif you have haemochromatosis, if you're a carrier of a genetic fault linked to the condition, or if you might have another condition that causes high iron levels.
If these tests detect a problem, you'llusually be referred to a hospital specialist to discuss what the results mean and whether you might need any further tests or treatment.
If blood tests show that you have haemochromatosis, you may need to have some further tests to check if the condition has caused any organ damage, particularly damageto your liver.
These tests may include:
Liver damage is one of the main complications of haemochromatosis .
Find out about haemochromatosis, an inherited condition in which iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years.
Find out about the main symptoms of haemochromatosis and when to get medical advice.
Find out why haemochromatosis occurs and how it's passed on through families.
Find out who should get tested for haemochromatosis and how the condition is diagnosed.
Find out about the main treatments for haemochromatosis, including whether you should make any changes to your diet.
Find out about the further problems that can occur if haemochromatosis isn't diagnosed and treated early on.