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Post-Void Residual Urine Test

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Post-Void Residual Urine Test

Topic Overview

The post-void residual (PVR) urine test measures the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.

The test is used to help evaluate:

The amount of leftover (residual) urine can be measured by draining the bladder with a thin flexible tube (catheter) or by using ultrasound. The catheter method has a slight risk of causing infection or injury to the tube leading from the bladder (urethra). But the catheter method is safe when done carefully. And it may be less expensive than ultrasound.

Credits

Current as of: February 11, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC - Urology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

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