Have you used a home testing kit for a medical diagnosis?

COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.

The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.

Simply complete a short survey at:
https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI

From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.

For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
 

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What are they?

Gallstones are hard lumps of crystals that develop within the gall bladder. The gall bladder is a small sac like organ located underneath the liver. Between meal times it collects and stores bile from the liver. Bile is a mixture of chemicals that help the digestion of food. At meal times the gall bladder squeezes the bile out and into the intestines.

Stones develop from the chemicals in bile. They are usually made of cholesterol, but can also be from pigments produced by the liver and may contain calcium salts.

Many factors increase the risk of developing gallstones:

  • Increasing age
  • Female sex
  • High fat and low fibre diet
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Long term fasting
  • Gall bladder stasis
  • Diabetes
  • Cystic fibrosis.

Last Review Date: April 27, 2023


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