Skip Navigation Home | About CDC | Press Room | Funding | A-Z Index | Centers, Institute & Offices | Training & Employment | Contact Us
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Home Page
horizontal line  
 

Iron Overload and Hemochromatosis: Information for Relatives

photo of older man, middle aged man, boy and dogIf you find out that you have hemochromatosis, encourage your immediate family members (grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, and adult children older than 25) to be tested for the amount of iron in their blood.

  • If you have hemochromatosis, your brother or sister has a 1 in 4 chance (25%) of having two HFE gene mutations.
  • If you have hemochromatosis, your children have about a 1 in 20 chance (5%) of having two HFE gene mutations.

It is important to remember that not all people with two HFE gene mutations will develop hemochromatosis.

In persons with a family history of hemochromatosis, genetic testing can determine who in the family does not have the HFE gene mutation. However, measuring the amount of iron in the blood is more helpful than genetic testing for detecting iron buildup and hemochromatosis.

Key Point
Measuring the amount of iron in the body with a simple blood test is more helpful than genetic testing for detecting iron buildup and hemochromatosis.

back to top


rectangle border
horizontal dividing line
Email this page Email this page
Printer-friendly version Printer-friendly version
horizontal dividing line
horizontal line
Topic Contents
 arrow Home
 arrow Signs and Symptoms
  arrow Causes and Risk Factors
  arrow Detection and Diagnosis
  arrow Treatment
  arrow Self-Care Tips
  arrow Information for Relatives
  arrow Frequently Asked Questions
  arrow For More Information
  arrow CDC Team Activities
  arrow Training for Professionals
  arrow Glossary of Terms
horizontal line
blackdots
Quick Links
 Division of Blood Disorders  
 Nutrition  
 Physical Activity  
 Overweight and Obesity  
rectangle border

Hemochromatosis: What Every Clinician and Health Care Professional Needs to Know
Hemochromatosis: What Every Clinician and
Health Care Professional Needs to Know

Cover of Iron Overload and Hemocromatosis Brochure:  Information for Patients and Their Families
Iron overload and Hemochromatosis
Information for Patients and Family

 
blackdots
 

Contact Info

Thank you for visiting the CDC-NCBDDD Web site. Click here to contact the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

We are not able to answer personal medical questions. Please see your health care provider concerning appropriate care, treatment, or other medical advice.
 

blackdots
 
Date last reviewed: 11/01/2007
Content source: Division of Hereditary Blood Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
  
  Home | Policies and Regulations | Disclaimer | e-Government | FOIA | Contact Us
Safer, Healthier People

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435
FirstGovDHHS Department of Health
and Human Services