DNA Hemochromatosis Test

DNA Hemochromatosis Test

Do you have European ancestry? Did your ancestors sail with the Vikings? Individuals of European descent have a higher likelihood of carrying genetic mutations associated with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), a condition that causes excess iron absorption. Find out if you are at risk with this DNA test.

  • Identifies the most common mutations in the HFE gene
  • 1 in 9 people of European ancestry carry one HFE mutation
  • 1 in 200 inherit two defective copies and are at higher risk of hemochromatosis
Collection method: Buccal swab

$195.00

Detailed Description

Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the western world. It’s a disease characterized by absorbing too much iron from the diet. This iron accumulates in organs and tissues, eventually causing organ damage and serious health complications.

While iron accumulates from a young age, the symptoms do not appear until later in life. On average, men develop symptoms between the ages of 30-50, compared to women who are diagnosed after 50, often 10-15 years after menopause.

If detected early, hemochromatosis is easily treated. Treatment includes blood removal every 2 – 4 months to remove excess iron. If a diagnosis is made at later stages after organ damage has occurred, the damages are irreversible.

The Genetics

This DNA test identifies three specific changes in the HFE gene that are associated with an increased risk of hemochromatosis.

Genetic variants Identified in This Test

  •  C282Y
  •  H63D
  •  S65C

C282Y is the most common mutation, and is associated with the most severe symptoms. H63D and S65C are two other mutations that can increase the risk of hemochromatosis. However, often other precipitating factors (e.g. hepatitis or alcohol abuse) are also required before iron overload occurs.

Understanding your genetic risk for AD can encourage early monitoring and allow drug treatment to begin as soon as possible to delay the progression of the disease.

To be at an increased risk of hemochromatosis, two defective copies of the HFE gene need to be inherited. Carriers, who have one normal and one defective HFE gene, are generally unaffected.

Although individuals who inherit two defective HFE genes are at increased risk of developing hemochromatosis, many will not show any disease symptoms. Additional modifying genes or other factors (e.g. alcohol abuse) are thought to contribute to the risk of hemochromatosis in genetically susceptible individuals.

Hemochromatosis is hard to diagnose based on physical symptoms alone, because these symptoms are also seen in many other health conditions. Early symptoms include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Characteristic “Iron Fist” (knuckle pain)
  • Memory problems
  • Depression
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart flutters
  • High blood sugar
  • Low thyroid function

  •  C282Y
  •  H63D
  •  S65C

C282Y is the most common mutation, and is associated with the most severe symptoms. H63D and S65C are two other mutations that can increase the risk of hemochromatosis. However, often other precipitating factors (e.g. hepatitis or alcohol abuse) are also required before iron overload occurs.

Understanding your genetic risk for AD can encourage early monitoring and allow drug treatment to begin as soon as possible to delay the progression of the disease.

To be at an increased risk of hemochromatosis, two defective copies of the HFE gene need to be inherited. Carriers, who have one normal and one defective HFE gene, are generally unaffected.

Although individuals who inherit two defective HFE genes are at increased risk of developing hemochromatosis, many will not show any disease symptoms. Additional modifying genes or other factors (e.g. alcohol abuse) are thought to contribute to the risk of hemochromatosis in genetically susceptible individuals.

Hemochromatosis is hard to diagnose based on physical symptoms alone, because these symptoms are also seen in many other health conditions. Early symptoms include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Characteristic “Iron Fist” (knuckle pain)
  • Memory problems
  • Depression
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart flutters
  • High blood sugar
  • Low thyroid function
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How It Works

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Order your test

Choose the test that matches your need from our large array of tests. The kit will be delivered to your doorstep. There is no need to leave the comfort of your home.

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Collect your sample

Register and activate your test. Collect your sample. Return your sample to our lab as soon as possible, using the prepaid envelope included in the kit.

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Quality guarantee

Your sample will be tested as soon as it arrives in our lab. Your results will be available through our secure online platform.

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