Did you know that over 40% of in-office uroflowmetry tests are incomplete?
While the accuracy of uroflow machines themselves is generally reliable, the clinical
setting can introduce significant limitations:
Voided Volume: Studies show that up to 48% of in-office uroflow tests
involve voided volumes of less than 150 cc. According to guidelines from the
Urology), a voided volume of at least 150 cc is necessary to accurately assess
Qmax and obtain a representative flow curve.
Underlying Causes: Patients often experience psychological barriers—
such as anxiety or embarrassment—when asked to void in an unfamiliar
environment. This discomfort can lead to reduced volumes, false starts, or
other artifacts that skew results.
Impact: When voided volume is inadequate or flow data is distorted by
artifacts, the test may not reflect the patient’s true symptoms or urinary
conditions.
How can you improve test accuracy?
Here are three tips from clinics that achieve fewer than 15% inaccurate tests:
1. Educate and Remind Patients:
Ask patients to arrive with a comfortably full bladder. Emphasize the
importance of an adequate voided volume for accurate results.
2. Offer Hydration and Waiting Time:
Provide 100–200 cc of water if patients are underfilled, and allow them to wait
up to an hour for sufficient bladder filling.
3. Encourage Home Testing:
Consider having patients perform uroflow tests and maintain a voiding diary at
home. A familiar setting often yields more accurate and representative data.
By ensuring a proper voided volume and reducing patient anxiety, you can
significantly enhance the reliability of uroflowmetry and better align the results with
each patient’s clinical picture.
Try proudP Home Testing Now!
Want to learn more about how proudP uroflowmetry can enhance your practice?
Contact proudP sales team!
Let us help you streamline uroflowmetry testing and improve patient outcomes with innovative home-based solutions.