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What is Uroflowmetry?

Doctors use uroflowmetry to test the amount of urine voided during urination. It also measures the speed of urination. The test is called a uroflow test. It can help your doctor identify the causes of certain urinary difficulties. In a Uroflowmetry test your doctor may recommend a uroflow test if you have slow urination, a weak urine stream, or difficulty urinating. Uroflowmetry tests are found in main centers in Sri Lanka.

Results from the test can help your doctor determine how well your bladder and sphincter are functioning. The test can also be used to test for obstructions in the normal flow of urine. By measuring the average and maximum rates of your urine flow, the test can estimate the severity of any blockage or obstruction. It can also help identify other urinary problems, such as a weakened bladder or an enlarged prostate.

Certain conditions can affect your normal urine flow. These conditions include:

  • benign prostatic hypertrophy, or enlargement of the prostate gland, which can block the urethra completely
  • Bladder Cancer
  • a urinary blockage
  • Neurologic Bladder dysfunction, or trouble with the bladder due to a nervous system problem such as spinal cord tumor or injury
Preparing for an Uroflowmetry Test?
  • Need to get an appointment prior to coming
  • Can get usual meals and medications 4 hours before the procedure
  • Drink 1 liter of fluid (water/juice) within 15 minutes to 1 hour prior to appointment time
  • Do not empty your bladder before the test (Bladder must be full during the scan)
What Happens in a Uroflowmetry Test?

An Uroflowmetry test usually takes about 20 minutes. Here is what happens:

  • The hospital staff may ask you to urinate into a bowl-shaped device in a special toilet for the uroflow test.
  • You will be advised and must make sure to urinate only when the machine is turned on and urine at the speed you usually do without manipulating the speed or quantity of urine.
  • By doing so the uroflowmeter calculates the amount of urine you pass, the flow rate in millilitres per second, and the length of time it takes to empty your bladder completely. It will record this information on a chart
  • When you’re finished urinating, the machine will report your results. Your doctor will then discuss the findings with you. Depending on your specific case, you may need to perform the urine test on several consecutive days.