Training & Education - Diagnostic Testing
Evaluating the iron status of people with these vague, non-specific symptoms facilitates identifying patients early in the disease rather than later when symptoms have already developed.
"In our physician study, 23% were unaware of the population at risk for developing hemochromatosis.
Education programs should emphasize that hemochromatosis is common, that elevated values of serum transferrin saturation can be used to diagnose most cases before iron overload occurs, and that phlebotomy to achieve and maintain normal body stores of iron is the preferred treatment."
Ronald T. Acton, PhD
Professor of Microbiology
University of Alabama, Birmingham
Content in this module includes:
- Biochemical testing for iron status.
- Ordering transferrin saturation and serum ferritin lab tests.
- Interpreting lab tests results to evaluate iron status.
- Confirming a diagnosis of hemochromatosis.
Clinical Features Summary 
Biochemical Testing 
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Division of Blood Disorders
1600 Clifton Road
MS E-87
Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
