4 weeks Ago
Free Testing at RAI
Three cabins have been set up at the entrance of the RAI conference center, where people can get a free liver examination. The screenings are available until Friday, and many are taking advantage of the opportunity.
Liver Disease Often Goes Unnoticed
According to liver specialist Bart Takkenberg of the Amsterdam UMC, liver disease often doesn't show symptoms until it is too late. "Many patients don't realize they have liver problems until complications arise," he says. Often, patients come in with severe conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding or liver tumors, at a stage where healing is no longer possible.
Importance of Early Detection
Takkenberg emphasizes that patients often had symptoms years earlier, but no liver tests were conducted. Early detection could have allowed for intervention, potentially preventing serious complications.
Target Audience for the Free Test
The primary target for the free liver test are overweight men and women between the ages of 45 and 55 who consume alcohol regularly. Takkenberg explains that being overweight leads to fat accumulation in the liver, and alcohol consumption adds to the damage. The combination significantly increases the risk of chronic liver conditions, including fatty liver disease and inflammation.
Quick, Painless Test
The liver test takes just 10 minutes and is painless. The device used measures the hardness of the liver, which can provide valuable information about the degree of liver damage.
Findings and Next Steps
Takkenberg reports that on the previous day, 150 to 200 people were screened. Some individuals showed signs of a hardened liver, and those people have been asked to return for further evaluation. If the results are confirmed, a referral to a gastroenterologist is arranged.
High Demand for Tests
The demand for liver tests is high, with people lining up as early as 07:00. The waiting time for a test can reach up to four hours. Those wishing to get tested are advised to avoid eating for about four hours before the examination. Testing hours are from 09:00 to 16:00, with the final day on Saturday, when the booths will close at 14:00.
This initiative is an excellent opportunity for Amsterdam residents to take charge of their liver health and catch potential issues early.
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