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Uroflowmetry (Urodynamic Study): Purpose, Procedure and Cost
Uroflowmetry
Uroflowmetry is a simple, diagnostic screening procedure used to measure the flow rate of urine over time. The test is non-invasive and may be used in the assessment of bladder and sphincter function. Uroflowmetry test also know as Urodynamic Study, Urine Flow Testing and Urodynamic Study.
Uroflowmetry is performed by collecting the urination into a specialized funnel that is connected to a measuring device. The measuring device calculates the amount of urine, rate of flow in seconds and length of time until completion. This information is converted into a graph and interpreted by a doctor. The information helps to evaluate the function of the lower urinary tract and helps examine if there is an obstruction of normal urine outflow.
During normal urination, the initial urine stream begins slowly, but immediately speeds up until the bladder is almost empty. The flow again slows down until the bladder is empty. Individuals with a urinary tract abnormality have a different flow pattern and speed up and down more gradually. The uroflowmetry test monitors this information, taking an account into the person’s gender and age. Depending on the results of the procedure, other tests may be recommended by the doctor.
Other related procedures include cystometry, cystography, and cystoscopy.
How Does the Urinary System Work?
The body takes nutrients from the food eaten and converts them to the energy required for various body functioning. After the body has taken the essential food components, the waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood.
The urinary system helps the body to remove liquid waste called urea and keeps the chemicals, such as potassium and sodium and water in a healthy amount. In our body, urea is produced when foods containing protein, such as meat, poultry, and few vegetables, are metabolized. Urea is carried in the blood to the kidneys, where it is eliminated along with water and other waste products in the form of urine.
Purpose of Uroflowmetry Test
Uroflowmetry is a fast, simple diagnostic screening test that gives valuable feedback about the lower urinary tract’s health. It is commonly performed to determine if there is a barrier to normal urine outflow. There are a few medical conditions that may alter the normal flow of urine. They include the following:
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Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy – A benign enlargement of the prostate gland usually occurs in male over the age of 50 years. Enlargement of the prostate interferes with the typical urine passage from the bladder. If it is left untreated, the enlarged prostate can damage the bladder ultimately.
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Urinary Incontinence – In this condition, there is an involuntary release of urine from the bladder.
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Urinary Blockage – Obstruction of the urinary tract can occur due to many reasons along any part of the urinary tract from kidneys to the urethra. Urinary obstruction can lead to a backflow of urine, which can cause infection, scarring, or kidney failure if left untreated.
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Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction – A medical condition in which there is a dysfunction of the bladder due to an alteration in the nervous system, such as a spinal cord lesion or injury.
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Frequent urinary tract infections
- Cancer of the prostate, or bladder tumor
How a Uroflowmetry Report Looks Like?
Uroflowmetry Procedure
Four examples of uroflowmetry measurements assigned to the classes where the flow (denoted by Q) has a Staccato, Normal, Long flow and Interrupted.
Before the Procedure:
- The doctor will explain the process.
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Usually, no special preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required prior to the examination.
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Individuals may be instructed to drink adequate glasses of water several hours before the exam is performed to ensure that the bladder is completely full. In addition, it is advised not to empty the bladder before arriving for the test.
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If a woman is pregnant or suspects to be pregnant, she must notify the doctor.
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Notify the doctor about all the medications and supplements that you are taking.
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Based on the medical condition, the doctor may request other specific preparation.
During the Procedure:
Uroflowmetry may be performed on an outpatient basis or hospitalized patients. The procedures may vary depending on the conditions and doctor’s practices.
Generally, uroflowmetry follows the given protocol:
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The patient will be taken into the procedure area and instructed how to use the uroflowmetry instrument.
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When the patient is ready to urinate, the patient will press the flowmeter start button and count for five seconds before beginning urination.
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The patient will begin to urinate into the funnel device that is connected to the regular commode. The flowmeter will record information as the patient urinates.
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Patients are instructed not to push or strain as they urinate. Remain as still as possible.
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When you have finished urinating, count again for five seconds and press the flowmeter button.
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Do not put any toilet paper into the funnel device.
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The examination will be wind up at this point. Depending on the patient’s specific medical condition, they may be asked to perform the test on several consecutive days.
After the Procedure:
Generally, there is no special type of care is required after uroflowmetry. However, the doctor may give some alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on the particular patient situation.
Risks of the Procedure:
Since uroflowmetry is a non-invasive procedure, it is safe for most individuals. The test is usually done in privacy. There may be few risks depending on the specific medical condition of each individual. Be sure to discuss the concerns with your doctor before the procedure begins.
Certain factors or conditions may interrupt the accuracy of uroflowmetry. These factors include:
- Straining with urination
- Movement of the body during urination
- Few medications that affect bladder and sphincter muscle tone
Diagnostics and Pathology Tests Available At House of Diagnostics (HOD).
DATA SOURCES:
- http://www.columbiaurology.org/staywell/document.php?id=38551
- https://www.healthline.com/health/uroflowmetry#preparation
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