Uroflowmetry is a painless diagnostic test that measures urine flow rate to check for abnormalities. Doctors use it to diagnose bladder blockages, kidney problems, enlarged prostate, and urinary tract infections. Patients need to prepare for the test by avoiding nonessential medications and drinking water. Results are compared to established averages for age and gender, and abnormal results may lead to further testing and treatment.
Urine flowmetry is a diagnostic test that is administered to check for abnormalities in the amount or flow rate of a patient’s urine. The procedure is simple and painless and simply involves urinating into a funnel device connected to an electronic meter. Doctors commonly use uroflowmetry to check for possible bladder blockages, kidney problems, enlarged prostate, and urinary tract infections. Unusual test results indicate the need for additional testing procedures, such as X-rays and laboratory analysis of samples.
In most cases, a urologist or primary care physician will decide to perform uroflowmetry after conducting a physical exam and asking about a patient’s physical symptoms. Testing is not usually done on the same day as the initial assessment, as you need to take certain steps to prepare for it. A doctor can explain the procedure and tell the patient what to do before uroflowmetry. Exact instructions can vary, but most doctors suggest that people avoid taking nonessential medications about 48 hours before testing to ensure accurate results. Also, people need to drink several glasses of water the morning of the exam so that their bladders are full.
On the day of the uroflowmetry test, a doctor can explain the procedure and show the patient how to use the equipment. The counter and funnel are connected to a toilet in a private bathroom. About five seconds before urinating, the person presses a button to turn on the meter. He then urinates into the funnel, trying to do it normally without straining or stopping. After urinating, the button is pressed again to turn off the meter. A nurse or doctor then retrieves the device and reads the results.
The test results reveal the amount of urine released, how fast it was passed, and how long it took for the bladder to completely empty. Meters typically report quantities in milliliters per second (mL/sec). The results can be compared to established averages for males and females in certain age groups to see if they are normal. For example, the average flow rate for males over the age of 65 is approximately 9 mL/sec. If a patient’s uroflowmetry results are approximately 5 mL/sec, the doctor can safely suspect that an enlarged prostate or other common condition is obstructing regular urine flow.
When uroflowmeter readings are abnormal, diagnostic imaging screens, additional physical exams, and blood and urine tests are done. Treatment in the form of medications, physical therapy, or surgery may be needed depending on a person’s specific problem. Often, uroflowmetry tests are repeated periodically during the course of treatment to determine if symptoms are improving.
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