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 1
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. 6
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.