Hemochromatosis Genetic Screening

Screening tests help your doctor look for a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear. This can increase your chance of finding the problem at a curable or more treatable stage.

Hemochromatosis gene (HFE) screening is a blood test that finds out whether you are a carrier of the defective gene that causes hemochromatosis. The test may be ordered if you have a close family member—parent, brother, sister, or child—with the condition.

HFE testing identifies a genetic risk rather than the disease itself. Even if you have one or more HFE genes, you may never get sick. Screening is only recommended for people who have an increased chance of having the disease, such as those with other family members who have hereditary hemochromatosis.