Editor,—Bhavnani et al(Gut 2000;46:707–10) claim to have identified 12 patients homozygous for C282Y or with compound heterozygocity at a cost of only £117 per patient identified. This astonishingly low total of £1400 allowed them to:

• Select out of 35 065 blood samples 4.2% (1490) with an elevated alanine aminotransferase.

• Undertake measurement of 1490 serum irons, transferrins, and ferritin concentrations.

• Give information on haemochromatosis and offer genetic screening to the 56 patients found to have a transferrin saturation >60%, and to re-contact those not responding.

• Obtain informed consent from the 33 patients …

M Bhavnani,manju.bhavnani{at}wiganlhs-tr.nwest.nhs.uk