Uroflow EMG and Bladder Scan Tests HF#7469

This test has been ordered to check your bladder and help make up 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 your bladder before the test begins
• What pelvic or stomach muscles are being used when you urinate;  How much

   urine is in the bladder after urinating

 

Getting Ready for the Test
If you are taking bladder medicine you will need to stop.  See table below:

 

It is very important that you come with a full bladder.  About 45 minutes before the test, you need to drink 16-24 ounces of liquid (more if you can).  You 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 know that this is not always easy.  If your bladder is not full at the time of the test we may need to reschedule.

 

 

What Happens During the Test
 This test does not hurt.  There are no tubes or needles used.
• Before the test a bladder scan will be done to make sure your 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 your back and

   three patches on your stomach.  These will measure how the muscles are

   working that control urination (EMG test).
• When the patches are in place, you will be asked to urinate in a special toilet

   that is connected to a computer (uroflow test).  A parent may stay with you

   and the medical assistant in the bathroom or in 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).

 

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#7469

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