A DNA test for hereditary iron overload, near Cardiff
Haemochromatosis is the UK's most common inherited condition, and one of the most treatable when caught early. This test reads the three HFE gene variants behind it, so you can find out whether you carry the genetic risk before iron has a chance to build up. One blood sample, an answer for life. Self-refer at our Penarth or Cowbridge clinics near Cardiff.
A genetic answer, once and for good.
What is included for £131
- ✓Blood draw at Penarth or Cowbridge, near Cardiff
- ✓DNA analysis of the HFE gene: the C282Y, H63D and S65C variants
- ✓A clear result showing whether you carry the genetic risk
- ✓Plain-English report explaining what your genotype means
- ✓An answer that never needs repeating, since your genes do not change
- ✓Report emailed to you, easy to share with a clinician
Because iron overload is silent, then serious
Haemochromatosis lets the body absorb far more iron than it needs. That excess builds up slowly over years, often with no symptoms at all, until it starts to damage the liver, heart, pancreas and joints. The good news is that it is very treatable once known, so finding out early genuinely changes the outcome.
Catches it before damage
Left alone, iron overload can harm organs before you feel a thing. Knowing your genetic risk means you can be monitored and treated early, while everything is still reversible.
One test, for life
Your DNA does not change, so this is a one-off. The result stands whatever happens to your iron levels in future.
Matters for your family too
Haemochromatosis runs in families. A result can be a prompt for close relatives to consider testing, and a doctor can help you think that through.
Worth testing if any of this applies to you
The condition is most common in people of northern European ancestry, and its early symptoms are easily put down to everyday life.
This is a genetic risk test. It shows whether you carry the HFE variants, not whether iron has already built up. If you have symptoms, your doctor may also want to check your iron and ferritin levels, which this test does not measure.
One gene, three variants
The HFE gene controls how much iron your body absorbs. We genotype the three variants most associated with hereditary haemochromatosis, using RT-PCR. Tap to see them.
HFE gene 3
Your report explains which variants you carry and what that means for your risk of iron overload.
Difficult veins? We find them with ultrasound
This test uses a small blood sample. If you have fragile or hard-to-find veins and have had failed attempts before, our consultant radiologists can take it under real-time ultrasound. It is the only such service in South Wales, and patients travel to us from across Wales and the West for it.
Nobody had managed to take my blood in years without several attempts. Here it was done first time with the ultrasound. Such a relief.
Verified Google reviewFrom booking to answers, step by step
Book
Self-refer online or by phone. No GP letter needed, and no fasting or special preparation for this test.
Your appointment
A small blood sample, taking about 15 minutes. Tell us if you have difficult veins and we will use ultrasound.
Your report
Because this is a DNA test, results take around 7 days. Your report explains which variants you carry and what they mean, in plain English.
Act on it
Optional: book a private GP appointment to talk through your result and, if needed, arrange iron studies or onward referral.
Genetic Haemochromatosis test
All inclusive. A DNA answer you will never need to repeat.
- ✓Blood draw at Penarth or Cowbridge
- ✓DNA analysis of the HFE gene, all three variants
- ✓Plain-English report explaining your result, emailed to you
- ✓Ultrasound-guided draw available for difficult veins
A £50 booking deposit secures your slot and comes off the total.
Common questions about the genetic test
How much is the Genetic Haemochromatosis test?
£131 all inclusive. That covers the blood draw, the DNA analysis of all three HFE variants, and a plain-English report emailed to you. A £50 deposit secures your appointment and comes off the total.
What exactly does it look at?
It genotypes three variants in the HFE gene, C282Y, H63D and S65C, using RT-PCR. HFE controls how much iron your body absorbs from food. C282Y is the variant most strongly linked to hereditary haemochromatosis, particularly when someone inherits two copies of it. Your report explains which variants you carry and what the combination means.
Does a positive result mean I have haemochromatosis?
Not on its own. This test shows whether you carry the genetic risk, not whether iron has actually built up. Many people who carry HFE variants never develop iron overload, and the risk depends on which variants and how many copies you have. A doctor will usually confirm the picture with iron and ferritin blood tests, which this genetic test does not include.
Do I need to prepare, or fast?
No. Because this looks at your DNA rather than your current iron levels, there is no fasting and no special preparation. You can eat and drink normally beforehand, and keep taking any medication as usual.
How long do results take?
Around 7 days. Genetic analysis takes longer than a routine blood test because of the laboratory process involved. Your report explains your result clearly when it is ready, and we email it to you.
Will I ever need to repeat it?
No. Your genes do not change through life, so a genetic result is a one-off. If you do carry a higher-risk genotype, any future monitoring would be of your iron levels rather than a repeat of this test.
Is haemochromatosis treatable?
Yes, and that is the main reason to know. When it is picked up before organ damage, it is usually managed simply by removing blood at intervals, much like donating, to bring iron levels down. People treated early can expect a normal life expectancy, which is why finding out sooner matters so much.
Should my family get tested too?
Possibly. Haemochromatosis is inherited, so a relevant result in you can be important information for parents, siblings and children. It is worth discussing with a doctor, who can advise which relatives might benefit from testing. Book a private GP appointment if you would like to talk it through.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. This is a self-refer test. Book online or call 029 2199 9300.
Where is the blood taken?
At our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, CF64 2AD) or our Cowbridge clinic (10 High Street, CF71 7AG). Both are a short drive from Cardiff with easy parking.
Want help understanding your result?
A genetic result is the beginning, not the end. Book a private GP appointment and one of our doctors will explain what your genotype means, arrange iron studies if they are needed, and advise on next steps and family testing.
Book a GP appointmentTwo clinics, close to Cardiff
Penarth Clinic
13 Washington Buildings
Stanwell Road, Penarth
CF64 2AD
Mon to Thu 9:00 to 18:00
Fri 9:00 to 17:00
Sat 9:00 to 15:00
Cowbridge Clinic
Beauty Within
10 High Street, Cowbridge
CF71 7AG
By appointment. Please call for availability.
Get directionsPatients travel to us from Cardiff, Penarth, Cowbridge, Barry, Newport, Bridgend and across the Vale of Glamorgan.
Important: This test identifies genetic variants associated with hereditary haemochromatosis. It shows genetic risk, not whether iron overload is present, and does not on its own diagnose the condition, which is confirmed with iron studies and clinical assessment. Not everyone who carries HFE variants develops iron overload. A genetic result is most useful when interpreted by a doctor alongside your symptoms and iron levels, so we recommend discussing it with your own GP or booking a private GP appointment with us. Lab values alone do not constitute medical advice.
Know your risk while you are well.
Self-refer for the Genetic Haemochromatosis test: a DNA read of the HFE gene that gives you a lifelong answer, and the chance to act early. £131 all inclusive at Penarth or Cowbridge, near Cardiff.