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Uroflowmetry - Overview

Alternative Names

Uroflow

Definition of Uroflowmetry:

Uroflowmetry is a test that measures the volume of urine released from the body, the speed with which it is released, and how long the release takes.

How the test is performed:

You will urinate in a special urinal or toilet with a machine that has a measuring device.

You will be asked to begin urinating after the machine has started. When you finish, the machine will create a report for your health care provider.

How to prepare for the test:

Your health care provider may ask you to temporarily stop taking medications that can affect the test results.

Uroflowmetry is best done when you have a full bladder. Do not urinate for 2 hours before the test. Drink extra fluids so you will have plenty of urine for the test.

Do not place any toilet tissue in the test machine.

How the test will feel:

The test involves normal urination, so you should not experience any discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

This test is useful in evaluating the function of the urinary tract. Usually, a patient having this test will report urination that is too slow.

  • Reviewed last on: 9/3/2010
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Peterson AC, Webster GD. Urodynamic and videourodynamic evaluation of voiding dysfunction. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 58.

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