Haemochromatosis is the main genetic cause of iron overload and is quite common in Irish populations. A level of > 45% is suggestive of iron overload and can be seen before the iron level rises. One in 83 people carry two copies of the HFE gene and are predisposed to iron overload. 20% of Irish people are carriers of the condition.
Raised transferrin saturation levels are also seen in haemolytic anaemia or sideroblastic anaemia.
