What is uroflowmetry?
Uroflowmetry (uroflow) is a noninvasive study of a child’s bladder function. It evaluates bladder capacity, voiding pattern, and bladder emptying.
Your child’s doctor may order a uroflow test if they suspect one of the following conditions:
- Overactive bladder
- Voiding dysfunction
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Bladder neck dysfunction
- Urethral strictures
What happens during a uroflow test?
A uroflow test takes about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish, depending on how long it takes your child to urinate.
- The first step is an ultrasound-based bladder scan, which will evaluate how much urine your child’s bladder is holding. A clinical assistant will place a small amount of gel below your child’s belly button and gently press on their bladder with an ultrasound probe.
- Next, we’ll ask your child to urinate into a special toilet in a private bathroom. This toilet has sensors that will measure how fast your child urinates and how long it takes them to urinate. It also looks at your child’s voiding pattern.
- After your child has urinated, the clinical assistant will use the ultrasound to see how much urine is left in their bladder.
What is a uroflow with EMG patches?
Uroflow with electromyography (EMG) patches measures pelvic floor muscle activity during urination. These muscles play an important role in bladder control.
The patches used for this test are stickers that will be placed on your child’s buttocks and hips. They are about the size of a dime and can be easily removed as soon as your child is done urinating. The patches will be connected to a device that your child will hold while they urinate.
How to prepare your child for a uroflow test
For a uroflow test to be as accurate as possible, your child should have a comfortably full bladder.
To achieve this, have your child urinate two hours before their appointment. Then, have them drink water. The amount of water your child should drink depends on their age (see the chart below). They should finish drinking one hour before their appointment.
| If your child is: | Have them drink: |
|---|---|
| 2 to 5 years old | 4 to 8 ounces of water |
| 6 to 9 years old | 8 to 12 ounces of water |
| 10 or older | 12 to 16 ounces of water |
Uroflowmetry | Programs & Services
Programs
Center for Healthy Elimination and Bladder Rehabilitation (CHEER)
Program
The Center for Healthy Elimination and Bladder Rehabilitation (CHEER) uses non-invasive methods to help children and their families overcome a wide variety of urinary issues.
Learn more about Center for Healthy Elimination and Bladder Rehabilitation (CHEER)
Departments
Urology
Department
The Department of Urology diagnoses and treats diseases of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra) and male genitalia and reproductive tract in infants, children, and adolescents.
