Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center
Related to Incontinence & Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Urology Tests
Treatments for Incontinence & Overactive Bladder (OAB)
CT Scan: CT stands for "computerized tomography" and is an x-ray technique that is much more sensitive than a traditional x-ray. A CT Scan helps diagnose a variety of urologic disorders, such as stones, tumors and cysts.

Cystoscopy: A cystoscopy is a procedure that a urologist uses to look inside the patient's bladder. This is usually an office procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the urethra before the urologist inserts a small telescope-like instrument into the bladder and fills the bladder with some water while examining the urethra and the inside of the bladder. Bladder tumors, other abnormalities of the bladder wall and stones are some of the conditions that can be observed with cystoscopy.

Cytology:  Cytology is a test used to look for cancer cells in the urine. A urine specimen is sent to a lab for the pathologist to examine for the abnormal cells.

Post Void Residuals:  Post Void Residuals ia a non-invasive, brief ultrasound study of the bladder. It is done after a patient urinates to determine how much urine is left in the bladder. It is often important to know about this residual urine following surgery or when evaluating the patient's bladder for obstruction.

Urine Flow Study:  A urine flow study determines the rate and the force of urination by measuring the length of time it takes a patient to urinate. An abnormal flow study may indicate obstruction or poor bladder tone.

Urine Tests: There are a variety of tests performed on urine that help the urologist diagnose disease or monitor treatment. Some of the more commonly performed tests are a basic urinalysis, urine culture and sensitivity and 24-hour urine tests.

Urinalysis is performed in the office using a dipstick, which detects and measures blood, sugar, protein and other substances in the urine. A microscopic exam of the urine finds blood cells, crystals, bacteria, yeast and other things that may be present.

Urine cultures are performed in the laboratory when a urinary tract infection is suspected. This urine test requires a "clean catch" sample in a sterile cup. The culture is incubated for several hours and then any bacterial growth is examined by the lab tech to determine what bacteria is causing the infection. Sensitivity studies are performed on the culture growth to determine which antibiotics will kill the bacteria and clear up the infection.

24-hour urine tests are performed to detect many disease processes. The patient collects all urine expelled for 24 hours in a large bottle. The lab then analyzes the urine for abnormal levels of the many substances that are filtered from the bloodstream by the kidneys.

Urodynamics:  Urodynamic testing is used to assess bladder function. This testing measures muscle tone and nerve activity during the process of filling the bladder with water and emptying the bladder during urination. Urodynamic testing can be done in the office or in the x-ray department of a hospital. Pressure-measuring catheters are inserted into the bladder and rectum and small electrodes may be attached to the skin.

X-Ray Tests: There are many different x-ray studies, which may be prescribed to diagnose conditions of the urinary tract. Some of the more commonly performed x-ray studies are:
•KUB
•IVP
•VCUG.

A KUB is a simple x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder.

IVP stands for intravenous pyelogram. This ia a series of x-rays taken after contrast (dye) is injected into the bloodstream. The contrast helps define the structures of the urinary tract as the urologist looks for stones, tumors or other conditions and abnormalities.

A VCUG (Voiding Cystourethrogram) is done to examine the bladder and urethra while the bladder fills and empties. A radiopaque liquid (that can be seen on x-ray) is placed in the bladder through a catheter. The bladder is filled until the patient urinates. X-Rays are usually taken before, during, and after voiding. This test is used to reveal abnormalities of the inside of the urethra and bladder. The test can also determine whether the flow of urine is normal when the bladder empties.

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