Uroflowmetry is a study of the tubular flow of urine. This test allows for the precise determination of the type of disorders that are the cause of abnormal emptying of the bladder. How is uroflowmetry performed and how to prepare for it? Interpretation of the uroflowmetry result.

Uroflowmetryis part of a urodynamic test that also measures the efficiency of the muscles involved in emptying the bladder and the correct coordination between the bladder detrusor and the urethral sphincter. Uroflowmetry helps diagnose urination disorders - it allows you to assess the speed of urination, the amount of urination per second and the total volume of voiding.

Uroflowmetry: indications

The indication for the examination are disorders in urination (voiding) such as:

  • pollakiuria
  • sudden urge to urinate
  • urinating in several portions
  • residual urine after micturition
  • urinary incontinence
  • diverticula (pouch-shaped or baggy) of the urinary bladder.

Uroflowmetry: the course of the study

Uroflowmetry is completely non-invasive and painless. You must come to the test, which is usually done in the morning, with a well-full bladder (you should not urinate for at least two hours beforehand). You press the button, after 5 seconds you urinate into the flow meter, which looks like a regular toilet seat, again, after waiting 5 seconds, you press the button. The flow meter analyzes the urine stream, measures its volume, and then draws a voiding curve, calculates typical parameters and sends it to the computer - the result is interpreted by the doctor. The test takes about 10 minutes.

Uroflowmetry: interpretation of the result

Correct test results depend on gender and age:

  • age 4-7 years - mean flow rate for both boys and girls 10 ml / sec
  • age 8-13 years - mean flow rate: boys 12 ml / sec, girls 15 ml / sec
  • age 14-45 years - boys mean flow rate 21 ml / sec, girls 18 ml / sec
  • age 46-65 years - mean flow rate men 12 ml / sec, women 18 ml / sec
  • age 66-80 years - mean flow rate for men 9 ml / sec, for women 18 / ml / sec

Owhat does an incorrect uroflowmetry result indicate?

If the flow is faster than the norm for the patient's age, it may indicate a decreased urethral resistance, e.g. in dysfunction of the internal urethral sphincter muscle or in overactivity of the bladder detrusor muscle.

On the other hand, the slowing down of the flow velocity occurs when there is an obstacle in the urinary tract (e.g. a stone) or when the contractility of the detrusor muscle of the bladder is impaired.

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Research