What is a uroflow test? The uroflow is a study to determine the flow rate of your urine during voiding.

The test is sometime done to look for the cause of incomplete bladder emptying, slow stream, burning with urination, bladder pain, or other symptoms. How do I do a uroflow test? In order for the test to be accurate it is important that you have a normal urge to urinate at the time of the test. If you do not feel the urge to go, but try to force out a small amount of urine, the test will not be accurate. You should come to the office with a full bladder, or come early and drink water when you arrive until your bladder is full. Do not urinate before the procedure. You will be asked upon arrival to void into a special toilet that measures the force of the urinary stream. You should try to make the uroflow test as similar as possible to a normal urination. Usually we check the bladder with anu ltrasound immediately after the uroflow test to see how much urine is left behind in the bladder after urination (called the post-void residual or PVR). Posssible Risks of Uroflow Test There are no risks with this procedure. Preparation for Uroflow Test Come to the office with a full bladder or come early to drink water until the bladder is full urinate into flow meter Uroflow A Uroflow measures the flow and force of your urine stream. This test is often performed in patients who have obstruction in normal flow of urine or problems with urination. To perform the test properly, it is important that you arrive for your appointment with a normally full bladder and feel the normal urge to urinate. If you are asked to give a urine sample by the person who checks you in, tell them you are having a uroflow test and will need to wait to give the sample to the technician at that time. If you become extremely uncomfortable from the urge to empty your bladder before you are brought into an exam room, please inform the receptionist who will inform the technician. You will be taken to a private restroom and will be instructed to urinate into a special toilet that is equipped to electronically measure the volume and flow of your urine. A paper recording of the urine flow will be generated. The goal is to have you urinate as you normally would. Forcing urination with a partially full bladder or waiting until your bladder is overfull, distended, and uncomfortable can give inaccurate results on the uroflow test. There is no special preparation required for the test beyond arriving to clinic with a normally full bladder. You will not experience any pain or discomfort. The results of this test will help your Urologist determine the best treatment option for you. You may resume your usual daily activities immediately following the uroflow test. UROFLOW TEST Your doctor has asked you to perform a Uroflow test. This is a speed measurement test of your urination. It is a simple screening test to determine whether you urinate normally and with a normal speed (compared to population normals). The following are some helpful hints: 1. If your doctor asks you to keep a "bladder diary," then bring this with you to the uroflow appointment. 2. Come with your bladder comfortably full. The test is most accurate when you feel a strong urge to urinate. The speed of urination (uroflow) is many times related to the volume of urine in your bladder. 3. You do not need to give a urine specimen (for urinalysis) at this visit. This is, of course, unless you have urinary symptoms suggestive of infection such as changes in frequency or urgency, fever, blood in the urine, or some baseline change in your daily urinary habits. 4. Try to urinate as normally as possible. "Do whatever you normally do" to get your bladder to empty. 5. When you arrive at the office, let the appointment clerk know that you are here for a uroflow, test. If you have any further questions, notify us at 244-0161 or discuss it with Laurie, Dr. Bruce's nurse (extension 40).

Uroflowmetry Email this page to a friendShare on facebookShare on twitterBookmark & SharePrinter-friendly version Uroflowmetry is a test that measures the volume of urine released from the body, the speed with which it is released, and how long the release takes. How the Test is Performed You will urinate in a special urinal or toilet with a machine that has a measuring device. You will be asked to begin urinating after the machine has started. When you finish, the machine will create a report for your health care provider. How to Prepare for the Test Your health care provider may ask you to temporarily stop taking medications that can affect the test results. Uroflowmetry is best done when you have a full bladder. Do not urinate for 2 hours before the test. Drink extra fluids so you will have plenty of urine for the test. Do not place any toilet tissue in the test machine. How the Test Will Feel The test involves normal urination, so you should not experience any discomfort. Why the Test is Performed This test is useful in evaluating the function of the urinary tract. Usually, a patient having this test will report urination that is too slow. Normal Results Normal values vary depending on age and sex. In men, urine flow declines with age. Women have less change with age: Ages 4 - 7 o The average flow rate for both males and females is 10 mL/sec. Ages 8 - 13 o The average flow rate for males is 12 mL/sec. o The average flow rate for females is 15 mL/sec. Ages 14 - 45 o The average flow rate for males is 21 mL/sec. o The average flow rate for females is 18 mL/sec. Ages 46 - 65 o The average flow rate for males is 12 mL/sec. o The average flow rate for females is 18 mL/sec. Ages 66 - 80 o The average flow rate for males is 9 mL/sec. o The average flow rate for females is 18 mL/sec. What Abnormal Results Mean Results are compared with your symptoms and physical exam. A result that may need treatment in one patient may not need treatment in another patient. Several circular muscles normally regulate urine flow. If any of these muscles becomes weak or stops working, you may have an increase in urine flow or urinary incontinence. If there is a bladder outlet obstruction or if the bladder muscle is weak, you may have a decrease in urine flow. The amount of urine that remains in your bladder after urinating can be measured with ultrasound. Your health care provider should explain and discuss any abnormal results with you. Risks There are no risks with this test.