The blood tests used to detect hemochromatosis are simple and inexpensive. The body's iron stores are gauged by three blood measurements. The amount of iron present. For an accurate test, do not take any supplements containing iron for at least a week and preferably, two weeks and do not eat for at least 8 hours prior to having the blood test performed. If the blood tests confirm high iron levels, a liver biopsy may be recommended to determine the degree of liver damage.
Genetic testing is used primarily to confirm a diagnosis or to identify affected family members.
First-degree relatives of someone with hemochromatosis should be screened for the disease. Treatment for hemochromatosis involves removing blood from the body, known as phlebotomy. A pint of blood is drawn weekly for up to two years, depending on how much iron has accumulated. Once a patient's iron level is normalized, phlebotomy every three to four months is usually enough to prevent further accumulation. Patients who begin treatment before developing organ damage generally have a normal life-span.