Iron Sensor

Hereditary haemochromatosis is a disease in which the body absorbs more iron from food than it needs over many years, causing deposits in the liver, heart, pancreas and joints. Iron Sensor is an oral-swab genetic test showing whether you carry gene variants associated with this disease. The test shows susceptibility, not how much iron you currently have.

Who is this test for

• people whose parent, brother, sister or child has hereditary haemochromatosis;
• when ferritin is high or a doctor calculates high transferrin saturation from iron results and wants to check for an inherited cause;
• people with persistent fatigue, hand joint pain or raised liver enzymes without a clear cause, when a doctor is considering iron overload;
• people who want to know more about their inherited susceptibility alongside regular blood tests.

The test is not intended to detect iron deficiency or anaemia. These are assessed using iron, ferritin and a blood count.

What the test reveals

Hereditary haemochromatosis is most commonly associated with changes in the HFE gene, which helps regulate iron absorption from the intestines. Inheritance is recessive: disease usually develops only when a person inherits an altered gene from both parents. Carriers of one copy usually do not have iron overload but can pass the gene to children.

According to its description, Iron Sensor analyses genetic variants associated with hereditary haemochromatosis and reports a risk assessment. Ask for the exact list of genes and variants covered before testing. The test does not measure your iron level or iron-binding capacity. These are shown by blood tests: ferritin and iron with UIBC and TIBC, from which a doctor calculates transferrin saturation.

The test and preparation

The sample is an oral swab: a swab is passed over the inside of the cheek several times. The procedure is painless and takes a minute or two; blood collection is not required. For at least 30 minutes before the swab, do not eat, drink anything except water, smoke or chew gum. Genetic information does not change during your lifetime, so the test is performed only once.

What your results mean

A doctor interprets the result, always alongside iron blood tests, your symptoms and family history.

• The variants tested were not found: hereditary haemochromatosis associated with these variants is less likely. If the report shows no HFE gene variants, the most common form of the disease associated with that gene is unlikely. If ferritin is still high, a doctor looks for other causes, such as inflammation, fatty liver or alcohol.
• One copy of a variant was found: this indicates carrier status, which usually does not cause disease by itself. The information is useful for the family because the variant can be passed to children.
• Two copies or a combination of variants were found: susceptibility to iron accumulation is increased. Many people with this result never develop organ damage, but they need blood tests and follow-up. If iron accumulates, treatment is prescribed by a doctor and, when detected early, is usually simple and effective.

Do not take iron preparations or high doses of vitamin C without medical advice, particularly if haemochromatosis runs in your family. Free genetic counselling is also available with the result.

How to arrange testing

The test is performed without a referral or appointment: a nurse takes the swab at any of our branches (listed on the Contactpage). Prices for all tests and panels are listed in the price list. If you want to check your current iron status, the Iron Panel (blood count, iron, UIBC and TIBC, and ferritin) is more cost-effective.

Frequently asked questions

My parent has haemochromatosis. Will I develop it too?

Not necessarily. It depends on whether you inherited the altered gene from both parents, and even then many people never develop disease. Your doctor will suggest iron blood tests; genetic testing helps assess susceptibility.

Do I need blood tests alongside the genetic test?

Yes. A genetic test shows susceptibility; only blood tests show whether iron has already accumulated. A doctor bases treatment decisions on ferritin and transferrin saturation.

Does haemochromatosis show in a blood count?

Usually not. A blood count in haemochromatosis is most often normal, so iron overload is checked through ferritin and transferrin saturation.

Is haemochromatosis common?

It is among the more common inherited disorders, particularly in people of European ancestry. However, only a minority with a risk result develop pronounced disease with organ damage, more often men and usually in middle age.