Can anyone please recommend the best private blood tests to confirm iron overload with a view to confirming haemochromatosis?

[victoria99]

I have used Thriva before and (thanks to this forum) I know of Blue Horizon and Medi-checks. Costs differ quite a bit but this test must be done. Thanks.

[Kes8]

I cant speak specifically about haemochromatosis but have had accurate results and service from both Medichecks and Blue horizons.

Your GP should have no issue with checking for haemochromatosis especially if you worried.

[victoria99 in reply to Kes8]

Thank you Kes for your answer to my query. I have looked at both of these organisaitions but was unsure about my choice. My GP is not very helpful in this regard.

[humanbean]

I don't know how haemochromatosis is diagnosed, sorry, so I don't know which of the following is the best one for you. Read the blurb for all of them. I listed them all just for reference :

medichecks.com/iron-tests/i...

medichecks.com/tests/haemoc...

medichecks.com/iron-tests/i...

If all you want is to know how much iron is in your blood then the last one is by far the cheapest.

[victoria99 in reply to humanbean]

Dear Humanbean

Reading the blurb for all of them is a bit confusing (at least for me); as you say, the iron is definitely the cheapest. Thanks very much for your reply here which is much appreciated.

[humanbean in reply to victoria99]

When you say that you are trying to confirm iron overload are you talking about confirming a genetic problem or do you just want to know the levels of iron in your blood?

[victoria99 in reply to humanbean]

Dear Humanbean

It is crucial that I confirm a genetic problem not only for myself but for other family members all of whom (as I think you will know) are affected by the "Celtic Curse". I am going to have my DNA test done privately but this takes a wee while; the best test for now would be something which would confirm to my GP and help him understand what iron overload tests can confirm. I hope this sounds OK as I have "burnout" at present. Thanks for everything.

[humanbean in reply to victoria99]

In that case I would suggest doing these two tests :

medichecks.com/tests/haemoc...

medichecks.com/iron-tests/i...

The two tests together cost £238.

But if you do this test

medichecks.com/iron-tests/i...

it contains the same tests as the two tests above but costs £299 i.e. £61 more.

And don't forget that you can get 10% off by using a discount code when you order because you are a Thyroid UK member. See the following post for more details.

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[victoria99 in reply to humanbean]

Humanbean - You sound (forgive me) like a "motherbean" replying to a "babybean", i.e. black humour. You are a "small miracle" and the "queen of beans"! I must print out your words to read them until I understand them properly and choose correctly.

[humanbean in reply to victoria99]

I hope I don't sound patronising. I've suffered from brain fog on and off for years so I know exactly what its like.

I only mentioned the prices because I realised that the two cheaper tests include exactly the same tests in combination as the single most expensive one. So I'd suggest going for the two cheaper tests. And not only that but there is a discount code you can use that reduces the price by another 10%. This is not to be sneezed at, in my opinion.

[victoria99 in reply to humanbean]

You did not sound at all patronising in any way dear "human beam" and I am sorry if I sound less than I should have. "Brain fog" and "burn-out" are both well known to me and at one time I almost "lose my life" to one of them. Enough said. Subjective and objective thinking can become almost inextricably intertwined at certain times in life so please forgive me if I are muddling along not knowing where I exactly am right now. I would send you some "faces" appropriate at this time but I cannot find them anywhere? If I could I would give "a great big sneeze" to say sorry for wrong words. More positively, I am 75 so perhaps (if things go well) I will be able to donate lots and lots of blood.

[humanbean in reply to victoria99]

More positively, I am 75 so perhaps (if things go well) I will be able to donate lots and lots of blood.

Bad news, I'm afraid. The blood given by people with confirmed haemochromatosis is not used for blood donation, it is disposed of as far as I know. Giving people lots of iron isn't a safe thing to do.

I've just remembered that radd (I think) has haemochromatosis. She might be able to help you, if she visits the forum.

[victoria99 in reply to humanbean]

Dear Lady:

This is very disappointing as I thought this was possible - I thought I had read about this to the contrary recently but with "brain fog" you could well be right! Thanks for everything!

[humanbean]

I looked at the algorithm you mentioned in an earlier post of yours :

Patients above 30yrs;

Females SF above200μmol/l,

males SF above 300μmol/l,

should have iron studies performed.

If Tsat above 50% (males) or above 40% (females); samples should be referred for HFE

gene testing.

SF = serum ferritin.

Tsat = Transferrin saturation

"Iron studies" consists of a number of tests, and both serum ferritin and transferrin saturation ought to be included in a standard iron study. Sometimes these tests are also referred to as an "iron panel".

For more on iron testing see this link :

labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...

To get more information click on each + sign you see on the page.

[victoria99 in reply to humanbean]

One thousand thanks to you Humanbean! "Algorithm" is a beautiful word and you have a beautiful rhythm in the way you accord with your fellows in this forum. As you know, "brain fog" at times robs one's self of many things, so normal faculties of reasoning, etc. disappear! I will attemp to follow your links. God bless you! Victoria (105)!