Uroflowmetry is a commonly performed urological test used to identify and evaluate bladder emptying disorders. These include, for example, increased, painful, frequent, or difficult urination, particularly at night.
Below you will find additional information as well as a selection of uroflowmetry specialists.
Definition: Uroflowmetry
Uroflowmetry is a commonly performed examination and diagnostic procedure in urology. It is used to measure the volume of urine excreted per second. This measurement allows doctors to identify and more accurately assess bladder emptying disorders. Uroflowmetry is also referred to as urine flow measurement.
It is also used to monitor treatment following
- medication for a bladder emptying disorder or
- surgery on the urethra or prostate
.
Urinary flow measurement is performed using a uroflowmeter. This is a device with a funnel to collect urine, into which the patient urinates. The device displays the results graphically as a urinary flow curve.
Based on the height and shape of this urine flow curve, the urologist can draw conclusions about certain conditions, such as
.
The urine flow measurement records the following values:
- Total volume of urine voided
- Duration of bladder emptying (voiding time)
- Maximum urine flow rate (maximum flow)
- Average urine flow rate
- Urine flow time
- Time to peak flow
- Graphical representation of the urine flow curve
Indications for performing uroflowmetry
A urine flow measurement is typically performed in cases of disorders and problems with bladder emptying (micturition). These include, in particular
- frequent urination without an increased urine volume (pollakiuria),
- painful urination (alguria),
- frequent nighttime urination (nocturia), and
- difficulty urinating (dysuria).
The latter is usually caused by an obstruction in the urethra or at the bladder outlet, or by an enlarged prostate. Other indications for performing uroflowmetry include symptoms such as
- a weak urine stream,
- prolonged urination,
- intermittent cessation of urination, and
- a sensation of residual urine.
Uroflowmetry can be used to diagnose, among other conditions,
- urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra),
- an enlarged prostate,
- urinary stasis, and
- urinary incontinence
be diagnosed or ruled out.
Procedure for Uroflowmetry
To perform uroflowmetry, the patient urinates into the funnel of the uroflowmeter as normally as possible and without straining, until the bladder is completely emptied. The patient’s bladder should contain at least 150 ml of urine before the uroflowmetry test.
A sensor is located at the lower opening of the uroflowmeter’s funnel, which measures the volume of urine per unit of time.
Following uroflowmetry, the doctor usually uses ultrasound to check the amount of residual urine in the bladder. This procedure identifies and accurately measures any residual urine remaining in the bladder.
Interpretation of Uroflowmetry Results
In a healthy adult, the maximum urine flow rate is normally between 15 and 50 ml per second.
A maximum urine flow rate of less than 10 ml per second indicates an obstruction or blockage in the urethra. Values between 10 and 15 ml per second are also suspicious and require further evaluation.
A urinary flow curve that deviates from the norm indicates specific medical conditions. An enlarged prostate, for example, is indicated by
- a delayed rise,
- a delayed decline,
- a reduced peak on the curve, and
- an extended duration of urination.
A steep rise in the urine flow curve, on the other hand, may indicate urethral stricture.
About the medical author
Sabine Schneider
Editor-in-Chief
Sabine Schneider – medical author: Explore expert articles and medical expertise in the Leading Medicine Guide.
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