Uroflow, EMG and Bladder Scan Tests for Your Child
This test has been ordered to check your child’s bladder and help create a care plan.
What the Test Tells Us
• How fast the urine flows out of the bladder and if the stream starts and stops
or is a continuous flow
• How much urine is in the bladder before the test begins
• What kind of pelvic or abdominal muscle activity is being used when your
child urinates; How much urine is in the bladder after urinating
Preparing for the Test
If your child is taking bladder medicine he will need to stop. See table below:
It is very important that your child arrives with a full bladder. About 45 minutes before the test, she needs to drink 16-24 ounces of liquid (more if possible). She should keep sipping on water or juice up until the time the test begins. There can not be any caffeine as it can change the test results. There can be no urinating for 2 hours before the test. We understand that this is not always easy. If your child’s bladder is not full at the time of the test we may need to reschedule.
What Happens During the Test
This test is not painful. There are no tubes or needles used.
• Before the test a bladder scan will be done to make sure your child’s bladder
is full. If the bladder is full enough, we will do the test.
• Six sticky patches will be placed on the body. Two patches will be on the
buttocks close to the anal opening. Another patch will be on the back and
three patches on the stomach. These will measure how the muscles are
working that control urination (EMG test).
• When the patches are in place, your child will be asked to urinate in a special
toilet that is connected to a computer (uroflow test). You may stay with your
child and the medical assistant in the bathroom or a special private room in
the urology clinic. The medical assistant will stand behind a curtain or step out
if possible to provide as much privacy as possible. After the test is over, a
second bladder scan will be done to see how much urine is still in the
bladder. This is the post void residual (PVR).
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Finding Out the Results
The doctor will read the tests within two weeks. A nurse practitioner will contact you with the results and plan what comes next.
If you have any questions about this test or anything else, please call the clinic at 1-608-263-6420.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 02/25/2013
Copyright © 02/25/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7468
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