It can be difficult to diagnose haemochromatosis as many of the typical symptoms can also result from other conditions.
In most cases, unless you have a family history of the condition, it may take a while before a correct diagnosis is confirmed. (If you do have a family history of haemochromatosis it is important to tell your GP).
And in many cases haemochromatosis is diagnosed by ‘accident’ during testing for unrelated conditions.
Blood tests
Haemochromatosis is usually diagnosed through blood tests, which may include:
- transferrin saturation (TS) – a blood test that indicates how much iron is readily available for use in the body
- serum ferritin (SF) – a blood test that indicates the amount of iron stored in the body
If tests do detect high levels of iron in your body, it is likely you will be referred for a more detailed blood test where a sample of your DNA is checked for the HFE mutation. This genetic test will usually confirm the diagnosis.
Liver biopsy
A liver biopsy may be recommended if tests reveal high levels of iron or there are enzymes present that indicate liver damage.
A liver biopsy involves taking a small sample of liver tissue. A hollow needle is injected into your skin and then into your liver which removes a sample. The injection is not painful as the skin is numbed with a local anaesthetic.
The sample is then checked to see if the tissue is hardened, scarred or has cancer cells in it; all of which would indicate some degree of liver disease.
