Many hematological disorders are treated by giving red blood cells. Over a long period of time iron from the red blood cell will accumulate in the tissues of the heart, liver, and endocrine glands. This condition is referred to as iron overload and may become life threatening due to the effects of the iron on these tissues. The normal method for evaluation of iron overload is a liver biopsy. This procedure is invasive and has potential risks, such as bleeding and infection.