What is the Iron Overload Profile test?

The Iron Overload Profile is a comprehensive blood and genetic testing panel designed to assess whether excess iron is accumulating in the body and to identify inherited haemochromatosis.

This profile includes:

• Iron – circulating iron in the blood
• Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) – blood’s capacity to bind iron
• Ferritin – stored iron levels
• Transferrin Saturation – percentage of transferrin bound to iron
• HFE Gene Mutations (C282Y and H63D) – genetic markers linked to hereditary haemochromatosis

Together, these markers provide a detailed assessment of iron metabolism, storage, and genetic risk.

Why do I need an Iron Overload Profile?

Iron overload can develop silently and, if untreated, may cause irreversible damage to the liver, heart, pancreas and joints. Early identification allows effective intervention.

You may need an Iron Overload Profile if you:

• Have persistently raised ferritin
• Have abnormal liver function tests
• Have a family history of haemochromatosis
• Experience chronic fatigue or joint pain
• Have diabetes or liver disease of unknown cause
• Have bronze or darkened skin
• Are being monitored for iron metabolism disorders

Symptoms and conditions linked to iron overload include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Joint pain (especially hands)
• Abdominal pain
• Liver disease or cirrhosis
• Diabetes
• Heart rhythm disturbances
• Reduced libido

Benefits of the Iron Overload Profile

• Detects iron overload early
  Identifies risk before organ damage occurs.
• Includes genetic testing
  Confirms inherited haemochromatosis risk.
• Comprehensive iron assessment
  Evaluates circulation, storage and saturation.
• Supports accurate diagnosis
  Differentiates iron overload from inflammation.
• Guides treatment decisions
  Supports phlebotomy or monitoring plans.
• Clinically established testing panel
  Used in hepatology and haematology.
• Useful for family screening
  Identifies at-risk relatives.
• Single blood draw and genetic test
  Efficient and informative testing.

Step by step – how the test works

You can access the Iron Overload Profile UK-wide through two options:

1. Clinic appointment
   Attend your nearest UK clinic, where a healthcare professional will collect your blood sample.
2. At-home or hotel visit (£60 extra)
   A qualified phlebotomist comes to your home or hotel, so you don’t need to travel.

Blood samples are analysed in an accredited UK laboratory, including genetic analysis of the HFE gene.

Your results explained

Low iron overload risk

• Normal ferritin and transferrin saturation
• No HFE mutations detected

Typical UK interpretation:

• Transferrin saturation: < 45%
• Ferritin within reference range

Moderate iron overload risk

• Raised ferritin or transferrin saturation
• Single HFE mutation (carrier status)

Typical UK interpretation:

• Transferrin saturation: 45–55%
• Heterozygous C282Y or H63D mutation

High iron overload risk

• Elevated iron markers
• Homozygous or compound heterozygous HFE mutations

Typical UK interpretation:

• Transferrin saturation: > 55%
• C282Y/C282Y or C282Y/H63D genotype

Results should be interpreted with liver function tests and clinical history.