Hemochromatosis DNA Test

Are you of European ancestry? Maybe you have descended from the Vikings? People of Viking ancestry are more likely to carry HFE mutations that increase the risk of hereditary hemochromatosis. Find out if you are at risk with this DNA test.

  Detects the most common mutations in the HFE gene

 Buccal swab sample collection

$195.00

Free Shipping • FSA / HSA accepted

Free shipping on all orders within the U.S.

What you get with this test

Detailed Description

Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in the western world. It’s a disease characterized by absorbing too much iron from the diet. This iron accumulates in organs and tissues, eventually causing organ damage and serious health complications.

While iron accumulates from a young age, the symptoms do not appear until later in life. On average, men develop symptoms between the ages of 30-50, compared to women who are diagnosed after 50, often 10-15 years after menopause.

If detected early, hemochromatosis is easily treated. Treatment includes blood removal every 2 – 4 months to remove excess iron. If a diagnosis is made at later stages after organ damage has occurred, the damages are irreversible.

The Genetics

This DNA test identifies three specific changes in the HFE gene that are associated with an increased risk of hemochromatosis.

Genetic variants Identified in This Test:

  •  C282Y
  •  H63D
  •  S65C

C282Y is the most common mutation, and is associated with the most severe symptoms. H63D and S65C are two other mutations that can increase the risk of hemochromatosis. However, often other precipitating factors (e.g. hepatitis or alcohol abuse) are also required before iron overload occurs.

Understanding your genetic risk for AD can encourage early monitoring and allow drug treatment to begin as soon as possible to delay the progression of the disease.

Symptoms

To be at an increased risk of hemochromatosis, two defective copies of the HFE gene need to be inherited. Carriers, who have one normal and one defective HFE gene, are generally unaffected.

Although individuals who inherit two defective HFE genes are at increased risk of developing hemochromatosis, many will not show any disease symptoms. Additional modifying genes or other factors (e.g. alcohol abuse) are thought to contribute to the risk of hemochromatosis in genetically susceptible individuals.

Hemochromatosis is hard to diagnose based on physical symptoms alone, because these symptoms are also seen in many other health conditions. Early symptoms include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Characteristic “Iron Fist” (knuckle pain)
  • Memory problems
  • Depression
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart flutters
  • High blood sugar
  • Low thyroid function

CLIA Certified

All Genofit tests are guaranteed to be processed by a CLIA certified laboratory–the same type of certification as hospital laboratories.

Physician Reviewed

Genofit tests are reviewed and approved by a third-party independent physician licensed to practice within your state.

HIPAA Compliant

Genofit takes measures to guarantee your privacy. Your personal data is securely stored and will not shared with any third-party without your permission.

Get Started in 3 Easy Steps​

Get Started in 3 Easy Steps

1. Activate Kit

Activate your kit online at genofit.com by entering the unique activation code found inside your kit.

2. Collect & Mail Sample

Simply collect your sample at home, then mail your sample directly to the lab with free return shipping.

3. View Results

Receive your results within 5-7 business days after the lab receives your kit.

FAQ's

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this test.

Yes, your results are 100% confidential. No one will be able to access your account or your results unless you give them your confidential account login. You can change the password to your account at any time. Please remember to safeguard your login information and not share it with anyone.
Testing begins immediately the day that your samples arrive at the laboratory. In some special situations, additional testing may be required, which could increase the turnaround time by a few extra days. You can check the status of your test online 24/7 using your secure account login. Your test report is released immediately once testing is complete.
Drinking or eating will not change the results in any way. The reason that you are not supposed to drink or have anything in the mouth for an extended period prior to collection is to ensure that we have enough buccal cells to complete the test. If there are not enough cells to complete the test, then the results will not be released and a recollection will be required.
No. You can send the kits back to the laboratory using any shipping method of your choosing. Please be advised that if you do not use the included prepaid return mailer to ship your samples, it is your responsibility to ensure that your samples arrive at the laboratory. We will not be able to provide assistance for shipments that do not use our prepaid return mailer.

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