We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Urodynamic Testing?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,024
Share

The types of urodynamic testing available to study the function of the bladder and urethra range from leak point pressure tests to imaging studies of urinary tract. The goal of all urodynamic tests is to assess the health of the urinary tract to learn more about why a patient is experiencing problems like incontinence or difficulty urinating. Usually, a full urinalysis is performed first to look for signs of infection or inflammation and if these results are negative, urodynamic testing will be recommended as the next step in diagnosis.

Urodynamic testing usually includes several tests performed together and can take about an hour. It may be done in a hospital or clinic and patients are typically instructed to have several glasses of water before the test so that they start with a full bladder.

In the most simple testing, patients are asked to urinate into a container that will measure the amount of urine produced, as well as the flow rate. This information can be charted and the care provider may also listen while the patient urinates for any signs of abnormalities. Once the bladder has been emptied, another type of urodynamic testing can be conducted when the care provider measures the post-void residual, looking at how much urine is left.

Cystometry is another type of testing available. In this test, catheters are inserted into the bladder and it is filled with warm water. The patient is asked to report on when the need to urinate becomes urgent and sensors in the bladder are used to measure bladder pressure during the test. A leak point pressure point can be determined during this test by seeing how full the bladder becomes before the patient starts to release fluid automatically.

A pressure flow study can be used to determine how much pressure the patient needs to exert to void the bladder. Imaging studies performed by using contrast agents, and equipment such as computed tomography (CT) scanners are another option for urodynamic testing. Doctors can also use video studies to map out the function of the urinary tract as the bladder fills and empties. If a doctor suspects that a neurological problem or damage to the muscles in the area might be involved, an electromyograph test that measures electrical impulses in the muscles can be conducted.

The urodynamic testing options available will be discussed with a patient before he goes in for testing. The doctor can provide a list of recommended tests and provide patients with information about what to expect.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-urodynamic-testing.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.