Urinary Flow Rate (Uroflowmetry)
What is a flow rate test?
As part of assessing your bladder problems, Dr. Makris needs to measure how fast you pass urine (maximum urinary flow rate). This involves you passing urine into a special device (pictured) which electronically measures how fast your urine is expelled. You may need to do this test more than once, so your clinic visit can take several hours. This depends on how quickly your bladder re-fills after you have emptied it.
After you have emptied your bladder into the flow rate device, we normally use an ultrasound bladder scanner to see if your bladder has emptied fully.
We usually carry out this test just before you see your urologist or specialist nurse. They will then have the flow rate available so they can discuss the results of your other tests, questionnaires, ultrasound scans or X-rays.
How should I prepare for the test?
You should try to come to the clinic with your bladder comfortably full. If there is less than 150 ml of urine in your bladder, the results of the test may not be satisfactory.
If you find it difficult to hold on to your urine when your bladder is full, please inform the staff as soon as you arrive. In this situation, you do not need to over-fill your bladder and risk leakage before you arrive; the staff can provide you with enough fluid to fill your bladder in the clinic.
What happens if my bladder is not full enough for the test?
If your bladder is not full enough, you may need to return later to repeat the test. It is, therefore, important that your bladder is comfortably full by the time you are ready to do the flow rate test.
When you arrive for your test, please let the the receptionist or clinic nurse know. They will arrange for the test to be done as soon as possible.