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What is a urodynamic test?
Urodynamic tests assess the function of the lower urinary tract. The tests assess 3 functions:
- The ability of the bladder to fill comfortably. A normal bladder should accommodate almost half a litre and give enough warning before you need to go to the toilet.
- Ability to hold urine when coughing or sneezing. The area between the bladder and urethra should be strong enough to prevent leakage of urine.
- Ability to pass urine. A normal bladder empties promptly and efficiently.
Why am I having urodynamics?
To determine the cause of your bladder symptoms and enable your consultant to plan appropriate treatment.
How should I prepare for this test?
- You will be asked to complete a bladder diary (frequency volume chart) for 3 days if you have not already done so. This provides an idea about the nature and amount of your fluid intake, as well as how much and how often you pass urine. This enables better understanding of your bladder function.
- If you are taking tablets to improve your bladder function, you need to stop these medications for 2 weeks prior to the test. On the day of the test it is good to wear clothes that are easy to remove as you will be asked to remove clothes from your bottom half and wear a gown.
- Please bring a urine sample with you that has been collected no more than 3 hours before your appointment time. This should be placed in a clean/sterile pot and handed to the nurse at the start of your appointment. If you are known to have recurrent urinary tract infections, you will be asked to have a urine test a few days before the appointment. You might be provided with antibiotics to take prior to the test.
- Try to arrive with a comfortably full, or at least half-full, bladder as you will be asked to pass urine at the start of the test.
What should I expect during this test
- Urodynamics is performed by a Urologist or Specialist Nurse. If an x-ray is also being performed (video-urodynamics), a Radiographer will also be present.
- On arrival, you will be asked to remove the clothes on your bottom half and will be given a robe to wear. You will be asked to pass urine in a commode (special toilet) that will measure the rate and volume of you passing urine.
- After that, you will be asked to lie down on a couch. The area around the urethra is cleaned and a small catheter is passed into your bladder to ensure it is empty. After this, a small blue catheter will be passed to your bladder and a red catheter passed either through the vagina or rectum to get the pressure inside your abdomen. The catheters are then connected to a machine which will slowly fill your bladder with saline (or contrast dye for video-urodynamics) and record the pressures in your bladder and abdomen.
- The test can be carried out in the sitting, semi-sitting, lying down or standing position. You will be asked to cough from time to time, to ensure the catheters are in place. You may be asked to perform a number of manoeuvres, such as bearing down, marching or bouncing your heels. At the end, you will be asked to pass urine again in the commode, this time with catheters in place.
How long will the test take?
The test takes approximately 30 - 45 minutes, however you should expect to be in the department for 60 – 80 minutes.
Are there any risks with this test?
The possible after effects of this test are listed below:
• Temporary burning or discomfort on passing urine
• Blood in your urine
• Urine infection requiring antibiotics
• Inability to pass the catheter to your bladder
• Inability to pass urine after the test
• Failure to find the cause of your bladder symptoms
You should contact your GP or the hospital if you notice increased temperature, frequency of passing urine, offensive or cloudy urine or if you feel generally unwell.
What happens after urodynamics?
At the end the doctor or nurse will talk to you about the test result and answer any questions you may have.
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Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Urology service.
About this information
Service:
Urology
Reference:
Z/049
Approval date:
12 July 2024
Review date:
1 April 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.