What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, or if you've had abnormal liver tests and hemochromatosis is suspected. It measures iron levels directly in liver tissue, which helps confirm whether excess iron has built up in the liver. This is typically used as a follow-up after other tests point toward an iron overload condition.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with the normal iron range clearly explained next to your value. If your levels are elevated, next steps often include dietary changes to reduce iron intake, avoiding iron and vitamin C supplements, and possibly retesting to monitor progress over time. A standard lab report is downloadable from your account, and you can track your iron levels over time using the trends feature. If your result is significantly high, seek medical care promptly since untreated iron overload can damage the liver.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with a family history of hemochromatosis, those with unexplained liver enzyme abnormalities, or anyone who has already had elevated blood iron markers like ferritin or transferrin saturation. It's also useful for confirming a diagnosis before starting treatment for iron overload. People with chronic fatigue and joint pain that hasn't been explained by other causes may also benefit.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs of iron overload include ongoing tiredness, joint pain (especially in the hands), abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and skin that appears bronze or gray in color. Some people also notice irregular heartbeats or reduced sex drive. If you've had these symptoms along with abnormal liver blood work, this tissue test can help confirm what's going on.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification when your report is ready to view in your account. Because this is a specialized tissue test, it can take a bit longer than routine blood work.

How can I naturally support healthy liver iron levels?

Limiting red meat, alcohol, and iron-fortified foods can help reduce the amount of iron your body absorbs. Avoiding vitamin C supplements taken with iron-rich meals is helpful too, since vitamin C boosts iron absorption. Drinking tea or coffee with meals can also reduce iron absorption naturally. These changes work best alongside any other steps recommended based on your results.

What does a high liver iron result mean?

A high result means iron has built up in your liver tissue beyond normal levels, which over time can lead to liver damage or scarring if untreated. This is often linked to a genetic condition called hemochromatosis, where the body absorbs too much iron from food. Reducing iron intake and, in some cases, having blood removed regularly (a process called phlebotomy) are common ways to bring levels down.

What causes elevated liver iron?

The most common cause is hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that makes the body absorb too much iron. Other causes include repeated blood transfusions, certain chronic liver diseases, or long-term excessive iron supplement use. Diet high in iron-rich foods combined with a genetic tendency can also contribute.

How often should I retest my liver iron levels?

If you're actively managing iron overload, retesting every few months is common until levels stabilize in a healthy range. Once your levels are stable, annual monitoring is often enough. Your retesting schedule may also depend on how high your initial result was.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

Start by reviewing the explanation provided with your results to understand how far outside the normal range your value falls. Making dietary changes like cutting back on red meat, alcohol, and iron supplements is a good first step. If your levels are very high, seek medical care promptly, since ongoing iron overload can lead to serious liver damage.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Liver Tissue Iron Test - Hemochromatosis Diagnosis

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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