Warning: the type of information that you provide to people may matter
by Duncan O'Leary
'Drinkers worried about liver damage can test themselves at home. The LiverCheck test measures levels of two enzymes in the blood produced when alcohol damages liver cells. The makers say the test will give users an idea of whether they are drinking too much.'
With the debates around obesity, drinking, smoking, energy use etc. we hear lots about giving people more and more information. But I’d say a key question is what kind of information?
Telling me that something might have negative consequences for me sometime in the future might have some effect. But we suffer from biases that make it difficult to fully take on board that kind of information and apply it to our own situation, or to change our behaviour, even if we want to.
Real-time information is different though. It helps us track what impact our actions are having right now – and what progress, or otherwise we’re making. Are things better or worse than last month? Can we connect a lifestyle change with real, tangible, benefits?
Not as much as we could do I reckon.
Kate Fargher
If it is the effect of the alcolohol on your own particular liver that is tested (which is how it seems), then this seems like an excellent idea. Irrespective of the number of units we are informed is a safe limit (which periodically changes), this test will inform the owner of the liver of the level of damage their intake is causing. Because of our varying tolerance levels, due to consitution, size, etc. this seems more accurate than counting units of alcohol.For people who think they have a 'strong constitution' that can withstand more than average, it might be a life-saving wake-up call.