Why USG for Residual Urine is Done
The USG for Residual Urine test is important for diagnosing urinary disorders and understanding bladder function. When the bladder does not empty completely, it may indicate bladder outlet obstruction, prostate enlargement, neurogenic bladder, or urethral stricture.
Doctors recommend Post Void Residual Ultrasound in the following situations:
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Difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream
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Recurrent urinary tract infections
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Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
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Evaluation before or after prostate surgery
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Assessment of urinary retention or overflow incontinence
In men, excessive residual urine volume often correlates with prostate enlargement or obstruction. In women, it may be caused by bladder muscle weakness or pelvic floor dysfunction. This ultrasound scan helps in identifying such causes accurately and assists doctors in planning the right treatment.
Benefits of USG for Residual Urine
The Residual Urine Ultrasound offers multiple benefits compared to invasive diagnostic procedures:
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Non-invasive and painless: No biopsy or catheter is needed.
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Radiation-free: Uses safe ultrasound waves, making it suitable even for pregnant women.
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Quick and convenient: The scan usually takes only 10–15 minutes.
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Accurate bladder assessment: Measures post-void urine volume precisely.
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Monitors treatment progress: Helps evaluate how well your bladder responds to treatments or medications.
Because it is safe and reliable, USG Residual Urine Scan is commonly used in general urology and nephrology evaluations.
How USG for Residual Urine Test is Done
USG Residual Urine Test Procedure is straightforward and performed in a diagnostic imaging center or hospital.
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The patient should come with a full bladder, as the first step involves measuring bladder volume before urination.
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The sonographer applies gel on the lower abdomen and moves a transducer over it to capture images of the bladder.
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After this, the patient is asked to empty the bladder completely.
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The scan is repeated to measure the remaining urine volume (Post Void Residual Volume).
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The difference between before and after volumes helps estimate the residual urine amount.
Generally, a normal residual urine volume is less than 50 mL, while values above 100 mL may indicate incomplete bladder emptying.
The entire test is quick, painless, and requires no special preparation other than maintaining a full bladder before the test. Results are available immediately and reviewed by a radiologist or urologist.
Parameters Measured in USG for Residual Urine
During the Residual Urine Ultrasound, the following parameters are measured and reported:
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Pre-void bladder volume
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Post-void bladder volume
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Residual urine volume
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Bladder wall thickness
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Any mass or structural abnormality
These parameters help doctors interpret bladder health and guide further treatment or management steps.