Hemochromatosis Tests & Hemochromatosis Treatments at University of Colorado Hospital

Tests for Hemochromatosis

Ferritin Test

The ferritin test is ordered to measure the levels of iron in your liver. The test can confirm a diagnosis of hemochromatosis.

Serum Iron Test

This blood test measures the amount of iron in transferrin, a protein that helps to transport iron throughout the body.

Total Iron Binding Capacity Test

This blood test measures how the capacity of transferrin to transport iron through the body.

Transferrin Saturation Test

This blood test shows how much iron binds to the transferrin that carries iron in the blood. A saturation level that is too high is an indication of hemochromatosis.

Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy removes a small piece of liver for examination under a microscope. The biopsy can be used to determine the amount of iron that is stored in the liver.

Treatments for Hemochromatosis

The goal of treatment for hemochromatosis is to reduce the amount of iron in your blood. These treatments include:

• Removal of red blood cells (phlebotomy)
• Medications to remove excess iron through the urine (iron chelation)
• Changes in diet, including limiting Vitamin C and alcohol