Hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder of iron metabolism in which afflicted persons absorb more iron than they can dispose of or need.  As a result, iron builds up in the body and can cause damage to the liver and pancreas.  Iron deposits under the skin causing a bronze colour to develop.  For this reason, Hemochromatosis has been called “Bronze Diabetes” or the “Bronze Killer”.

Hemochromatosis can be diagnosed by measuring serum Ferritin.  If the Ferritin value is greater than 200 mg/L then an Iron Saturation test should be performed.  This involves determining the serum Iron and the Total Iron Binding Capacity and calculating  the percentage of one to the other.  If this value is over 55%, Hemochromatosis should be considered.  A definitive diagnosis can be made using DNA gene testing.

If any member of a family is diagnosed with Hemochromatosis – genetic testing should be carried out on all blood relatives.  It is estimated that 13,000 persons in BC have Hemochromatosis.