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neville w
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« on: Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 16:48:35 » |
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Drinkers worried about the state of their liver can now check how much damage they have done using a home testing kit.
(Advertisement)
But some experts warned the results of LiverCheck - the first home blood liver test available in the UK - could actually encourage people to drink more.
Recent figures revealed more than 8,200 people in Britain died from drinking in 2004, compared with just over 4,000 in 1991, costing the NHS £1.7bn annually.
LiverCheck, which costs £99, claims to be able to analyse a user's liver from a pinprick amount of blood.
The manufacturers say it can be an early warning signal for people like the "vinos" - middle-class thirtysomethings who regularly drink wine at home.
Earlier this month, research indicated that the middle classes were more likely to routinely gulp down "hazardous" amounts of alcohol than those in poorer areas.
The makers claim that an information pack which comes back with the results allows drinkers to make changes to improve the health of their liver.
Dr Rajiv Jalan, of University College London and a leading liver expert said: "If someone knew their liver was damaged and likely to get worse, they would do something about it.
"Checking the health of the liver could avoid them getting to the stage where they are doing themselves real harm without knowing about it."
But other experts expressed fears that users would take positive test results as a signal that it was OK to over-indulge.
Health professionals said anyone worried about the state of their liver should seek advice from their doctor.
Can't you just hear the chant of " Liver - check, liver - check" like the scousers sing ?
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Ralphy
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« Reply #1 on: Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 16:53:38 » |
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£100 for a test kit?! Just think how many pints you could buy with that  |
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donkey
Cheers!
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He headed a football.
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« Reply #2 on: Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 19:32:02 » |
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£100 for a test kit?! Just think how many pints you could buy with that Legendary post Ralphy...I'll buy you a pint sometime...  |
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donkey tells the truth
I headed the ball. eeeeeeeeeeeeeee-aaaaaaaawwwwwww |
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flammableBen
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« Reply #3 on: Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 19:36:41 » |
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I love you ralphy.
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Simon Pieman
Original Wanker
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« Reply #4 on: Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 22:36:16 » |
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I think I have to do one of these before I can get my license back. How long does it take for your liver to get better?
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flammableBen
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« Reply #5 on: Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 22:41:05 » |
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I try to give mine a few hours.
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Simon Pieman
Original Wanker
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« Reply #6 on: Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 22:42:19 » |
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Damn. Does that mean no more wine at breakfast?
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axs
naaarrrrrppppp
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« Reply #7 on: Tuesday, October 30, 2007, 23:32:16 » |
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depends what time you get up.
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Ralphy
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« Reply #8 on: Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 09:37:07 » |
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This kit is blatantly aimed at well off, middle class professionals who drink wine like water.
£100 is on average, a quarter of most people's weekly wage.
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Simon Pieman
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« Reply #9 on: Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 09:38:12 » |
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You can get the same test free from the doctor though
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Ralphy
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« Reply #10 on: Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 09:40:15 » |
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Interesting.
I take it to get the test done though, the doctor has to have real concerns you have a drink problem?
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Simon Pieman
Original Wanker
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« Reply #11 on: Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 10:54:38 » |
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Why else would you want to do the test?
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axs
naaarrrrrppppp
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« Reply #12 on: Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 11:47:51 » |
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hypochondria?
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