Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is a diagnostic test used to measure the flow of urine during urination. The speed of urine flow is measured electronically and the flow rate is calculated as milliliters of urine passed per second. Both average and maximum flow rates can be measured.

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Patients should arrive for the test with a comfortably full bladder. If possible, do not empty for a couple of hours prior to the test.

For the test itself, the patient will be asked to urinate into a funnel connected to the electronic uroflowmeter, which records data about the urine flow on a flow chart. The peak flow rate, also known as Qmax is generally used as the basis for determining the severity of any blockage or obstruction. Low flow may indicate such conditions as obstruction of the urethra, enlarged prostate or poor bladder function.

The patient can resume their daily activities immediately following this test.

Reviewed January, 2010

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Glossary Terms

bladder:
	The bladder is a thick muscular balloon-shaped pouch in which urine is stored before being discharged through the urethra.
gene:
	The basic unit capable of transmitting characteristics from one generation to the next.
ions:
	Electrically charged atoms.
prostate:
	A walnut-shaped gland in men that surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder. The prostate supplies fluid that goes into semen.
urethra:
	A tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In males, the urethra serves as the channel through which semen is ejaculated and it extends from the bladder to the tip of the penis. In females, the urethra is much shorter than in males.
urinate:
	To release urine from the bladder to the outside. Also referred to as void.
urine:
	Liquid waste product filtered from the blood by the kidneys, stored in the bladder and expelled from the body through the urethra by the act of urinating (voiding). About 96 percent of which is water and the rest waste products.

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