What is Urinary Bladder Residual Study: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Urine retention can be⁤ caused by a number of factors, such⁤ as an enlarged prostate, ⁣urinary tract infections (UTIs), or ‍neurological problems. One way to measure and diagnose residual urine in the bladder is to conduct a urinary bladder residual (UBR) study, also known as a ‍bladder⁤ scan.



A UBR study is a‍ non-invasive procedure used to‌ measure and observe how much urine is ‍left in the bladder after urinating. It‍ is a safe and accurate way to​ measure residual urine without ​the need ⁣for any ⁢additional testing‌ or treatments.



This ‌article explains⁢ the​ purpose of​ a UBR study, the benefits, ‌and what ⁢to expect from the⁣ procedure. It also includes information on how to prepare for the study and when‍ to‍ speak to ​a ​doctor.

What ​is a UBR Study?

A ‍UBR ⁣study is a diagnostic test ⁢used‌ to ⁢measure ⁤the‌ amount ⁢of urine ‌left in a ‌person’s bladder after urinating. ​It is done by ‌placing a sensor called⁤ an ultrasound transducer on the lower abdomen‌ over the bladder.



The ultrasound transducer ​uses sound​ waves to‍ measure the volume of the urine ⁢in the bladder. It is safe and non-invasive, and does not involve⁢ any needles or other testing.

What ‍are the Benefits of a UBR Study?

The main benefit of a UBR study is ‍that it‌ is a safe and accurate way to ‌measure residual urine⁣ without the need‌ for ​any additional tests or treatments. It is also a quick procedure and can be done in your⁣ doctor’s‍ office.



A UBR study ​can help to⁢ identify any abnormalities in ⁣the bladder muscle, such as ⁢an enlarged prostate, UTIs, or ⁣neurological problems.‌ It can also help guide the ⁢treatment plan⁢ for these conditions.

What to Expect During a ​UBR Study

Before the UBR ⁤study, ‍you will be asked ‍to empty your bladder completely. Your abdomen may⁤ be shaved or ​an ultrasound gel will be applied ‌to ‌make sure the transducer and your skin⁣ are in close contact.



The‍ ultrasound‍ transducer ⁣will then be placed over your abdomen and moved around until the‍ bladder is located. The sound waves emitted from​ the⁢ transducer will measure the amount of ​urine in the bladder.



The entire procedure will take about 10 minutes⁢ and‍ is painless and non-invasive.

Preparing for⁣ a UBR‍ Study

To prepare for ⁣your UBR study,‍ you should ‍always empty your bladder as completely as possible before the ⁣test. You should also drink plenty of fluids and make sure you are adequately hydrated before the procedure.



It is also important to tell your doctor⁤ about any medications⁤ or supplements you are taking before the ‍study, as these could affect the results.

When to Speak⁤ to‍ a​ Doctor

It is important to speak to a⁢ doctor about any concerns you ‍may have regarding a UBR study. Your​ doctor ​can⁤ answer any questions ⁢you have and provide more information about the procedure and its ⁤risks.



If ⁣you experience any pain⁤ or​ discomfort during or after ‍the ⁤study, you ⁤should‌ always speak⁣ to a doctor.

Conclusion

A UBR ⁤study is a safe⁢ and non-invasive way ⁤to measure residual urine‌ in the bladder. ⁤It is usually done in a doctor’s office and can help to identify​ any abnormal bladder muscle conditions such as an​ enlarged‍ prostate, UTIs, or neurological problems.



It is ⁢important to⁤ prepare⁤ for the study by drinking plenty of fluids and emptying your bladder ⁤completely beforehand. You should ‌also tell⁤ your doctor about​ any medications or supplements you are taking.



If you‍ experience any​ pain or⁣ discomfort during‍ or after‍ the study, it is important to speak to a doctor. ​They can answer any‌ questions you have and provide more information‌ about the procedure ⁤and​ its risks.

Definition & Overview

A urinary bladder residual study refers to various tests used to measure residual urine volume. This is the amount of urine left in the bladder after a person urinates. It is measured using a bladder scan or a post-void residual (PVR) urine test.

A urinary bladder residual study is used to determine if a person can empty his bladder completely. If not, it could be a sign that he is suffering from urinary problems.

The procedure is part of urodynamic testing that patients undergo to assess the health of the bladder and the urethra. This test is performed by urologists, gynaecologists, internal medicine specialists, and primary care physicians. Its goal is to diagnose urinary problems and help doctors determine the best treatment for the patient.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

A urinary bladder residual study is beneficial for patients who are suspected of having urinary problems. These tests can help diagnose:

• Incontinence
• Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Urinary retention
• Neurogenic bladder dysfunction

Potential causes of urinary retention include:

• Impaired bladder contractibility
• Bladder outlet obstruction
• Lack of coordination between bladder contractions and sphincter relaxations
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Severe faecal impaction
• Neurogenic bladder
• Bladder denervation due to pelvic surgery

Patients are usually advised to undergo a urinary bladder residual study when they experience the following symptoms:

• Increased or abnormal urinary frequency
• Inability to completely empty the bladder during urination
• Abdominal distention
• Pain

Patients who suffer from urinary problems should undergo testing to receive a diagnosis and to address the problem. When left untreated, the condition can lead to complications, such as urinary tract infection and obstructive uropathy. The test is also performed on patients who suffer from a spinal injury that may have affected their micturition reflex.

The normal result of a urinary bladder residual study is less than 50 mL. If the number is greater, this means that the patient cannot void or empty his bladder completely.

Before making a diagnosis, the results of the test are cross-referenced with the patient’s voiding frequency. If a patient’s residual urine volume is up to 100 mL, but goes to the toilet every 2 hours, the results are considered acceptable. If the voiding frequency is greater than 2 hours but the patient does not experience frequent urinary tract infections, this may still be acceptable in most cases. However, if the patient is prone to or is experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms, the residual volume should be lower.

An abnormal residual urine volume may prompt doctors to prescribe other tests, such as:

• Urinalysis
• Blood test
• Ultrasound scan
• Urodynamic testing
• Cystoscopy
• Cystography
• Electromyography

How is the Procedure Performed?

A urinary bladder residual study is performed using a post-residual void (PVR) test. The test is part of the urodynamic testing performed on patients showing symptoms of urinary problems. There are two ways to perform this test:

• Straight catheter post void residual – This test measures residual urine by draining the bladder completely with a catheter after the patient goes to the bathroom. The collected residual urine in the catheter is then measured.

To perform the procedure, the patient is asked to go to the bathroom to urinate. He is then asked to lie flat on an exam table before a thin flexible catheter is inserted about 2 inches into the bladder. This may cause some discomfort or a slight burning sensation.

• Ultrasound post void residual – This alternative method measures residual urine using ultrasound scanning. After using the bathroom, the patient is asked to lie flat on an exam table. His lower abdomen and pelvis are then exposed. The technician then performs an ultrasound scan by applying gel on the patient’s abdomen and placing the ultrasound probe over the area. The probe, with the help of the gel, makes a recording of the inside of the abdomen.

Both methods do not require special preparation from the patient. Patients can also resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Possible Risks and Complications

A urinary bladder residual study that uses catheters comes with certain risks. These include infection and injury to the urethra.

However, when done carefully, this method is quite safe. It is the preferred method because it is less expensive than an ultrasound.

An ultrasound scan also comes with its own risks, such as exposure to small amounts of radiation.

References:

• McNeill SA, Hargreave TB, Geffriaud-Ricouard C, Santoni J, Roehrborn CG. “Postvoid residual urine in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia: pooled analysis of eleven controlled studies with alfuzosin.” Urology. 2001 Mar; 57(3): 459-65. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11248620

• Brookman-May S, Burger M, Hoschke B, Wieland WF, Kendel F, Gilfrich C, Braun KP, May M. “Association between residual urinary volume and urinary tract infection: prospective trial in 225 male patients.” Urologe A. 2010 Sep; 49(9): 1163-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20717648

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