
The greatest transverse (width), anteroposterior (depth), and superior-inferior (height) distances are recorded. Bladder images are recorded in both the sagittal and transverse planes. įor transabdominal bladder volume evaluation, the probe is placed over the suprapubic area while the patient is prone. Transvaginal ultrasound appears especially accurate for measuring low bladder volumes. The PVR is measured using the ultrasound machine's internal volume calculations or the mathematical equation below. Ĭonventional ultrasound is used to visualize the bladder directly, using either a transabdominal or transvaginal approach. Abdominal ascites may cause a falsely elevated measurement. ĭifferent bladder scanner machines may have slightly different procedures, but the basics of the technique are similar across devices.īladder scanning is unsuitable for patients with severe abdominal scarring, prolapse of the uterus, or if currently pregnant. The process can be repeated to optimally align the bladder in the center of the display. The result is displayed on a screen for the operator to see. A simple button is depressed, which initiates the examination of the bladder volume. The probe is placed on the gel and directed toward the bladder. With the patient supine, ultrasound gel is placed on the suprapubic area. The technique of PVR measurement using a bladder scanner is straightforward.
#Abnormal post void residual volume portable#
The device is easily portable on a movable stand, and a single instrument can serve an entire office or department. However, the device must be calibrated periodically, and the initial financial outlay may be significant. Nevertheless, while moderately expensive, the device has proven cost-effective over time and facilitates patient care in primary care facilities and specialist offices. In addition, the technique is simple to learn and takes only a few minutes to perform. It is a simple, noninvasive approach to measuring the PVR and is usually the preferred approach when available. Portable Dedicated Bladder Ultrasound DeviceĪ portable dedicated bladder ultrasound device, commonly known as a bladder scanner, uses ultrasound to measure the three-dimensional volume of urine in the bladder. Urinary catheterization is the gold standard for measuring the PVR but is invasive and has several other disadvantages compared to ultrasound. Measurement of the PVR determines the quantity of urine remaining in the bladder shortly after a voluntary void this measurement can be obtained using a portable dedicated bladder scanner, a formal bladder ultrasound examination, or by directly measuring the urine volume via urinary catheterization.

Measurement of the post-void residual volume (PVR) immediately after voiding is crucial for an accurate result, with delays of as little as 10 minutes from bladder emptying to PVR determination potentially causing clinically significant overestimation of the volume. Urinary catheterization should be performed sterilely to prevent infection and to obtain an uncontaminated urine specimen. It is particularly useful when a urine specimen is needed and not otherwise obtainable, as well as in cases of obvious urinary retention. Urinary catheterization after voiding can provide both a post-void residual and a urine specimen. Specimen CollectionĪ urine specimen is not always necessary or indicated but can aid in the diagnostic evaluation, especially if there is a concern for infection as the etiology of the elevated residual volume.

When used in conjunction with the American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom score and a 24-hour voiding diary, the PVR can provide the clinician with a clear picture of the patient's bladder activity, functionality, and correlation with symptoms leading to an evidence-based diagnosis which then guides appropriate directed therapy. The PVR may be determined via urinary catheterization, a portable dedicated bladder scanner, or a formal ultrasound examination. A PVR can be used to evaluate many disease processes, including but not limited to neurogenic bladder, cauda equina syndrome, urinary outlet obstruction, mechanical obstruction, medication-induced urinary retention, postoperative urinary retention, and urinary tract infections. Post-void residual volume (PVR) is the amount of urine retained in the bladder after a voluntary void and functions as a diagnostic tool.
