Over ten percent of the US population may be heterozygous carriers of the disease. Relatives of persons with HH are also at risk. Hemochromatosis is most prevalent in Caucasians, although it is also found in persons of other ethnic groups. Hemochromatosis often goes undetected or unrecognized by health care providers, possibly because of lack of awareness of its prevalence. Because the symptoms have a gradual onset, are nonspecific, and mimic other common disorders, diagnosis and treatment are sometimes delayed, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
Blood collection can take place in hospitals, blood centers, or physician's offices.
Early diagnosis and treatment is effective in preventing damage to organs. Laboratory tests that measure iron levels in the blood provide effective means of screening individuals for this disease and are recommended by the College of American Pathologists. Genetic testing is available but is not recommended for population screening at this time. Persons with elevated iron levels on laboratory screening tests can be referred for medical evaluation and confirmatory laboratory testing, including genetic tests. Back to Top Copyright RJ Laudicina, Hemochromatosis Education and Screening Project.