Frequently Asked Questions

The HFE gene encodes a protein that controls the amount of iron absorbed from the diet.

Yes, by regular blood donations to remove excess iron from the body.

1 in 9 people of European ancestry carry one of the HFE mutations and about 1 in 300 are estimated to have two copies of the mutated HFE gene, which increases the risk of hemochromatosis.

An iron disorder in which the body absorbs and stores too much iron, leading to damage in the body’s vital organs, joints and tissues.

Yes, family members of an affected individual have an increased risk of developing hemochromatosis and should be carefully monitored so treatment can begin before organ damage occurs.

The symptoms of hemochromatosis vary between individuals. The most common early symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, depression and memory problems. In later stages, further organ damage occurs leading to endocrine, cardiovascular, skin and bone problems, which can be fatal if left untreated.

By genetic testing for the HFE mutations in conjunction with iron panel tests to determine the level of excess iron absorbed and stored in the body. Other tests, such as liver biopsies, liver function tests, electrocardiograms and CT scans may also be required.

This test identifies the presence or absence of three mutations in the HFE gene (C282Y, H63D and S65C), which are associated with an increased risk of hemochromatosis.

No, not everyone who carries one or more copies of the mutated HFE gene will suffer from hemochromatosis. C282Y is the most common mutation but approximately 30% of people that carry two copies of this mutation will never develop hemochromatosis.

Over 85% of people affected by hemochromatosis have one or more of the HFE mutations (C282Y, H63D and S65C). 80-85% of affected people carry two copies of the C282Y mutation (C282Y homozygotes).

Yes. Each of the HFE mutations (C282Y, H63D and S65C) increase the risk of developing hemochromatosis. C282Y is the most common mutation and is associated with more severe symptoms when two copies of the mutation are inherited (C282Y homozygotes).

You can choose to receive your results report by mail, email or both. The test includes one copy of the results by mail and one copy by email at no charge. The results report is issued immediately once the testing is completed.

Yes, your results are 100% confidential. No one will be able to access your account or your results unless you give them your confidential account login. You can change the password to your account at any time. Please remember to safeguard your login information and not share it with anyone.

The DNA testing kit does not have an expiry date so you can use the kit at any time. Once the DNA sample is collected, the sample should be returned to the laboratory for testing within 3 months of the collection date. The DNA sample will remain stable for 3 months at room temperature after collection.

If your sample contains intact DNA, then a full DNA profile will be obtained. However, if your sample does not contain DNA or contains degraded DNA, then only a partial profile or no profile at all is obtained. Even if no profile is obtained, the cost still applies for each sample that is submitted.

No, there is no age limit for Hemochromatosis DNA Test testing. The test can be performed on individuals at any age, even newborns. The sample is collected easily and discretely using buccal swabs.

The DNA collection kits can be shipped to any country in the world.

DNA testing begins immediately the day that your samples arrive at the laboratory and is completed within 5 to 7 business days. In some special situations, additional testing may be required, which could increase the turnaround time by a few extra days. You can check the status of your test online 24/7 using your secure account login. Your test report is released immediately once testing is complete.