Genetic hemochromatosis (GH) is an inherited disease that results in iron o
verload, and, if untreated, causes irreversible organ damage. Knowledge and
understanding of the early features of the condition, often nonspecific, a
nd of the diagnostic route are necessary to detect iron overload and diagno
se GH before irremedial damage has been done. Genetic testing now: plays an
important role in diagnosis. Management of the patient with established GH
centers: on venesection to return body iron levels to normal, treatment of
the complications of GH, and family screening for GB, Population screening
for GH, the ideal strategy to prevent any morbidity from: iron overload, h
as not yet been accepted by public health professionals, largely because of
the lack of data on the disease penetrance in genetically susceptible indi
viduals.