Why is my liver so important?

The liver is the largest organ inside the body. In an adult it can weigh up to 1.4 kgs. It is located behind the ribs in the upper right-hand portion of the abdomen.

The liver does many vital things to make sure your body runs smoothly:

  • Processes absorbed food products from the gut.
  • Stores vitamins, sugar and iron to help give your body energy.
  • Controls the production and removal of cholesterol.
  • Clears the body of waste products, drugs and other poisonous substances.
  • Makes clotting factors to stop excess bleeding.
  • Produces immune factors and removes bacteria from the blood stream to combat infection.
  • Releases a substance called “bile” to help digest food and absorb important nutrients.

So take care of your liver!

  • Keep alcohol intake very moderate or abstain.
  • Eat a sensible balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
  • Take all the recommended precautions when handling agricultural or industrial chemicals.

And get a regular blood test at least once a year!

A simple blood test can pick up serious problems early, and often allow us to make them less serious. Sometimes special medical or surgical treatment is needed. For example, we can test those carriers who are at risk of liver cancer and may detect it early enough to give treatment.

Follow-up of hepatitis C carriers

The Hepatitis Foundation has set up a National Programme of follow-up of hepatitis B & C carriers. We have a confidential register of carriers who are provided with simple regular blood tests (usually every six months) to make sure their livers are healthy. You will be included in this register if you wish.

Any liver problems can usually be detected early.  If liver problems are found, you will be told, and there may be a suitable treatment.  We will refer you to a liver specialist to get this.

If any further information is required on our carrier surveillance programme please contact us on

0800 33 20 10

or email hepteam@hepfoundation.org.nz

You may like to visit our web-page at:

www.hepfoundation.org.nz


The Hepatitis Foundation of NZ

           PO Box 647
           61A Alexander Avenue
           Whakatane, New Zealand

           Freephone in New Zealand:
           0800 33 20 10
           Phone: 64 07 307 1259
           Fax: 64 07 307 1266

The Hepatitis
Foundation of NZ



ADVICE TO HEPATITIS C CARRIERS

You have had a blood test that showed HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV RNA) in your blood. That may mean you are a carrier of hepatitis C.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver, which can result in the liver not working properly and eventually can lead to more serious complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.




Free-phone: 0800 33 20 10