Amsterdam residents receive free liver test at RAI Amsterdam: International liver congress focuses on raising awareness

The tests are free and intended for everyone aged 18 and over. They are conducted in tiny houses on the square in front of entrance C of the RAI. Local residents and conference visitors can visit daily without an appointment. A test takes ten minutes, and it is advised not to eat in the four hours before the test. The saliva test is painless and performed by medical professionals who carry out a so-called fibroscan from outside. The scan measures how quickly sound waves pass through the liver; based on this, the doctor can determine how healthy the liver is. The result is available immediately and is explained by a doctor or nurse.

‘People often don't know’

“Early detection can prevent many health problems, especially since liver diseases are often only diagnosed at an advanced stage,” says gastroenterologist Bart Takkenberg from Amsterdam UMC. “In the Netherlands, an estimated two million people have fatty liver, often without knowing it. About 400,000 people are at risk of serious liver damage or liver cancer. The main causes are lifestyle-related: excessive alcohol consumption, overweight, and an unhealthy diet. We are seeing a strong increase in liver cancer caused by fatty liver: ten years ago, I saw one patient per week with liver cancer, now sometimes there are four. Through easily accessible testing, we may be able to reverse this trend.”

To involve young people as well, the Amsterdam Convention Bureau, in collaboration with EASL, is organising the school programme Love your Liver Project. Pupils from Years 7 and 8 will receive lessons about the importance of the liver and healthy choices, including from gastroenterologists at Amsterdam UMC and Haaglanden Medical Center (HMC). Visitors to the test location can also view an inflatable liver from inside: an educational experience for young and old.

With this initiative, RAI Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Convention Bureau by amsterdam&partners, want to demonstrate that an international congress can also have a positive local impact. More information about the testing and school programme can be found at: www.easlcongress.eu/2025-love-your-liver-impact-projects/#Livertesting

Opening hours test locations

Tuesday: 14:00-16:00

Wednesday: 9:00-16:00

Thursday: 9:00-16:00

Friday: 9:00-16:00

Saturday 9:00-14:00

Due to high demand, the test locations may be busy. Waiting times can increase, and you may be asked to return at a later time.

About Amsterdam Convention Bureau

The Amsterdam Convention Bureau (ACB) by amsterdam&partners, dedicates itself to attracting, retaining, and connecting international congresses to the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region. By collaborating with partners and local networks, the ACB contributes to addressing societal challenges and thus creates added value for residents, businesses, and knowledge institutions in the city.

About EASL

EASL, the European Association for the Study of the Liver, is a medical association with over 7,700 members worldwide. EASL is committed to raising awareness, prevention, and providing the best possible patient care. The EASL Congress 2025 brings together more than 8,000 international delegates for unparalleled scientific exchange, collaboration, and education. 

About RAI Amsterdam

RAI Amsterdam is an international event and conference organiser. Since 1893, RAI Amsterdam has been bringing people together. Whether it's a public event, a large congress, an international trade fair, a dance event, or a theatre performance. In 2024, nearly one and a half million visitors managed to find their way to RAI Amsterdam. Visitors spend approximately 200 million euros annually in the city of Amsterdam on hotel stays, taxis, public transport, horeca, and shops.