Hemochromatosis Genetic Screening: Should I Be Screened
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Should I Be Screened?
The decision to have hereditary hemochromatosis carrier screening is a personal one.
You might decide to be tested if you have had 2 or more blood tests that show that you have high iron levels in your blood (iron overload). More than half of people with iron overload have HFE gene mutations. If screening shows that you have hereditary hemochromatosis, early treatment can prevent later problems, such as scarring of the liver (cirrhosis).
Carrier testing is expensive. You may be more likely to have the test if your insurance pays for it.
| Last updated: | April 30, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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