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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Be Tested For Hemochromatosis As It Runs In My Family?

hemochromatosis runs in my dad's side of the family. Back in the 90's when I was in my mid 30's, I found out about it. My Grandfather had it. My dad, and all his brothers and sisters have it. Some of my cousins have it. Back the, in the 90's and my mid 30's, I talked to my doctor at the time, and he reccomended that my iron level be checked, which it was. The results at that time, showed my iron level to actually be a little low, but nothing that a change in diet, and maybe taking supplements wouldn't fix. My question is, I'm now 51. Should I be tested for the condition again?
Thu, 11 Dec 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello
Hemochromatosis is a common disorder of IRON STORAGE in which an inappropriate increase in intestinal iron absorption results .
In your case genetic factor is a main thing but good thing is that you are not having any symptoms that indicate that you are having hemochromatosis .
Now you are 51 years and almost 25 years passed for tests .
Since you didn't mention any symptoms so it is assumed that you are NOT HAVING this disease , so basically there is no need of any tests .
But if you are having any doubt in mind or any symptoms then get in different tests .
These are ;
1 Measurement of serum iron and the % saturation of transferrin.
2 Measurement of serum ferritin concentration.
3 Liver biopsy with measurement of the iron concentration and calculation of hepatic iron index.
4 Estimation of chelatable iron stores.
5 C T SCAN & MRI of liver.
Since some 25 years back ,there was limitation for tests , now a days better tests are there .
I mentioned all these tests for you information and necessary action so that you easily understand about your genetically disease ( in your parents ).
Hope this information will be useful for you.
Good luck.
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Should I Be Tested For Hemochromatosis As It Runs In My Family?

Hello Hemochromatosis is a common disorder of IRON STORAGE in which an inappropriate increase in intestinal iron absorption results . In your case genetic factor is a main thing but good thing is that you are not having any symptoms that indicate that you are having hemochromatosis . Now you are 51 years and almost 25 years passed for tests . Since you didn t mention any symptoms so it is assumed that you are NOT HAVING this disease , so basically there is no need of any tests . But if you are having any doubt in mind or any symptoms then get in different tests . These are ; 1 Measurement of serum iron and the % saturation of transferrin. 2 Measurement of serum ferritin concentration. 3 Liver biopsy with measurement of the iron concentration and calculation of hepatic iron index. 4 Estimation of chelatable iron stores. 5 C T SCAN & MRI of liver. Since some 25 years back ,there was limitation for tests , now a days better tests are there . I mentioned all these tests for you information and necessary action so that you easily understand about your genetically disease ( in your parents ). Hope this information will be useful for you. Good luck.