Haemochromatosis Test (C2827,H63)

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Assessment of the haemochromatosis gene (HFE) is used to check for hereditary haemochromatosis which is an inherited disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron.  Iron begins to build up in the blood, heart, liver, pancreas, skin, joints and other organs.

In its early stages haemochromatosis can cause stomach pain and joint soreness, malaise and weight loss.  Haemochromatosis can also cause scarring of the liver (liver cirrhosis), diabetes, infertility, heart failure, darkening of the skin, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), and arthritis.  It is also possible that many people do not have symptoms in the early stages.

For men, hereditary haemochromatosis can manifest around the age 40 to 60.  For women it does not usually manifest until after menopause because, until that time, menstruation allows the body to regularly deplete itself of surplus iron.

Why This Test is Done

HFE testing is performed in order to find out if a person has an increased likelihood of having haemochromatosis.  It is generally recommended for people who have a close family member such as a parent, sister, brother or child with the disorder.  The test can also be performed if you have continuously high levels of iron in the blood.  This test can help the patient to confirm if they have haemochromatosis. 

HFE testing aids in the identification of gene mutations in the HFE genes.  The gene mutations for this disorder are called C282Y and H63D.

Specimen Requirements

Blood specimen/s are required for these tests.

Patient Preparation

Patient does not need to fast or make any special preparation before having blood collected.

Specimen Collection

Once the practitioner has given the patient their request form, the patient takes it to their nearest Australian Clinical Labs collection centre. Find the closest collection centre at clinicallabs.com.au/location.

Turnaround Time

Standard turnaround time for this test is 7-10 business days.

Price

$60.00

Additional $20.00 collection fee applies to this test.

Payment

No prepayment required. Patient will be billed once testing is completed.

Code

HFE

Test Results

Patient results are delivered to the referring practitioner via electronic download unless requested otherwise. Results can also be issued via hardcopy or fax.

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    Terms and Conditions of Service

    It is your responsibility to ensure you carefully follow all steps provided to ensure the health and safety of the couriers, postage workers, specimen reception and laboratory workers.

    There is no rebate offered through the Medicare Benefits Scheme for the kits available on the Australian Clinical Labs shopping cart. Some private health insurance companies may offer rebates, check with your health insurance provider for further details.

    You are responsible for selection the correct test through the online shopping portal, if you are unsure, confirm with your referring practitioner. If your kit arrives through the mail damaged, contact us immediately for a replacement – do not use or send back this kit.

    Australian Clinical Labs does issue refunds to unused tests for up to 6 months from purchase date, a cancellation fee of $30 applies to all kits. We do not issue refunds for kits purchased over 6 months prior to the refund request.

    All kits to be returned are to have the referral form included with the samples. Without this form, there will be no patient allocated to the results and the test will take longer to process.