Urodynamic Test Overview
A urodynamic test is an analysis performed in order to test the bladder’s overall function and to determine if the urethral sphincter is working properly. This bladder screening can be performed in a doctor’s office as a routine test but may require more sophisticated technologies in order to determine the amount of stress placed on the bladder and urethra. A patient undergoing a urodynamic test should come to the appointment with a full bladder. The first part of the test will be conducted in order to determine the volume of urine and the rate in which the bladder empties itself, while the second step occurs when the physician places a catheter into the bladder through the urethra to measure the volume of urine remaining in the bladder. Water is usually then passed through the catheter into the bladder so that a patient will feel the urge to urinate. The level of water that was entered in order to feel this urge is then measured. The test is performed in order to diagnose certain conditions such as incontinence and to determine the threshold for which a patient feels the urge to urinate.