What laboratory test is used to confirm the diagnosis of hemochromatosis?

The choice of serum ferritin levels and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) as the laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis of hemochromatosis is appropriate because these tests directly assess iron metabolism in the body. Hemochromatosis is characterized by excessive iron accumulation, and measuring serum ferritin provides an estimate of the body's iron stores. Elevated ferritin levels can indicate iron overload, which is a key feature of hemochromatosis.

Additionally, TIBC reflects the amount of iron that can be bound by proteins in the blood. In cases of hemochromatosis, TIBC can often be low or normal because the body is overloaded with iron, which affects the availability of transferrin, the protein responsible for iron transport. Together, these tests help in evaluating iron overload conditions and confirming the presence of hemochromatosis.

Other tests mentioned, such as complete blood count and blood smear, do not specifically assess iron levels, nor do they confirm hemochromatosis. Similarly, urinalysis and serum electrolytes are not relevant to diagnosing iron overload disorders. A liver biopsy, while it can provide definitive evidence of liver damage due to iron overload, is typically not performed solely for the diagnosis of hemochrom