Is it possible that hemochromatosis could be missed and a false positive of hep c be diagnosed instead?

Very different tests: The tests for these two entities are very different and the results of one do not reveal any thing about the other. Both do affect liver function.

May not be false +: Was there a viral load? When we screen for chronic liver disease, even if the hcv is positive, we always screen for iron metabolism issues as well.

Yes: Or they may be present concurrently. Some of the older tests for hepatitis C antibody actually gave false-positives in hemochromatosis patients. Nowadays, any competent physician can make the distinction or can diagnose both if present. Serum ferritin and perhaps a gene study and/or biopsy for hemochromatosis; nucleic acid test in blood for hepatitis C.