Hemochromatosis Gene Test (HFE Test)

HFE Test (Hemochromatosis Gene Test)

Test Overview

Hemochromatosis gene (HFE) testing is a blood test used to check for hereditary hemochromatosis, an inherited disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron. The iron then builds up in the blood, liver, heart, pancreas, joints, skin, and other organs.

In its early stages, hemochromatosis can cause joint and belly pain, weakness, lack of energy, and weight loss. It can also cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), darkening of the skin, diabetes, infertility, heart failure, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), and arthritis. But many people do not have symptoms in the early stages.

In men, hereditary hemochromatosis is usually found between the ages of 40 and 60. In women, it is not usually found until after menopause because, until that time, women regularly lose blood and iron during their monthly periods.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: April 20, 2009
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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