Download Bladder Function Tests - Nova Scotia Health Authority

Patient & Family Guide
2015
Bladder Function
Tests
(Urodynamic
Studies):
Halifax Infirmary
www.nshealth.ca
Bladder Function Tests
(Urodynamic Studies): Halifax
Infirmary
What are bladder function tests?
Bladder function tests are used by the urologist
to find out how well the lower urinary tract
(bladder and urethra) store and empty urine
(pee).
Male urinary tract
Female urinary tract
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The tests measure:
• How much urine a person can hold before
urinating.
• The pressure inside the bladder as it fills with
urine from the kidneys.
• The force of the stream of urine when the
urine leaves the body.
• Bladder muscle function and strength.
• How the urethral muscles act when you
urinate (pee).
Where will my tests be done?
In the Outpatient Clinic, at the Halifax Infirmary.
Enter the Clinic from Robie Street (Level 400).
Register at the kiosk in the main lobby. You will
then go to a common waiting area, then to the
Urology Clinic. There is parking in front of the
hospital on Robie Street. Limited underground
parking in the Veterans’ Memorial Building is
available next to the Halifax Infirmary building.
2
Before your test
Call your doctor if you have symptoms of a
bladder infection such as:
›› Burning when urinating
›› A hard time urinating
›› Fever and/or chills
• Please bring a list with you that shows any
allergies you have and any medications you
are taking.
• You may eat and drink as usual.
• Take your medications as usual unless you are
told not to by your doctor.
• You should drink enough fluids to arrive with a
comfortably full bladder (not overly full).
• You will be asked to urinate into a special
toilet.
3
Who will do the tests?
A registered nurse or a urologist will do the tests.
A nurse will stay with you during the tests.
How long will the tests take?
The tests will take about 45 minutes. You should
plan to be at the hospital for about an hour.
How are the tests done?
• You will be asked to change into a hospital
gown and sit in a special chair.
• You will be asked to urinate into a special
toilet.
• A small flexible plastic tube called a catheter
will be gently passed through your urethra
(opening for the passing of urine) into your
bladder. The catheter is smaller than the
urethra. If there is any discomfort (pain), it
should last less than a minute. This tube will
empty any urine left in your bladder.
• A small tube will be placed in your rectum.
• Sticky patches will be placed near your
rectum.
4
• The nurse will then use your catheter to fill
your bladder with sterile saline (salt and
water).
• You will tell the nurse when you feel the need
to urinate.
• You will be asked to urinate.
• Measurements are taken with computerized
equipment during the tests.
• The tubes will be taken out at the end of the
testing.
• X-ray imaging may be used to visualize
the bladder and urethra during filling and
emptying. This is called video urodynamics.
What happens after the tests?
A letter about your test results will be sent to
your doctor. If available, the urologist may talk
about the results of your tests with you.
What should I do when I go home?
• Drink extra fluids for the rest of the day.
• You may feel some discomfort when you
urinate for the next 24 hours.
5
Call your doctor if you have:
• Unusual trouble passing urine.
• Burning when urinating 48 hours (2 days)
after the tests.
• Fever and/or chills in the first few days
after your tests.
Your urologist
can be reached by phone at
If you have any questions, please ask.
We are here to help you.
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Notes:
Looking for more health information?
Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazines, and other resources.
For more information go to http://library.novascotia.ca
Nova Scotia Health Authority promotes a smoke-free, vape-free, and scent-free environment.
Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you!
Nova Scotia Health Authority
www.nshealth.ca
Prepared and reviewed by: Urology Clinic ©
Illustration by: Staff
Designed by: Nova Scotia Health Authority, Central Zone Patient Education Team
Printed by: Dalhousie University Print Centre
The information in this brochure is for informational and educational purposes only.
The information is not intended to be and does not constitute healthcare or medical advice.
If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider.
WJ85-0191 Revised June 2015
The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years or as needed.