A bladder scan is a non-invasive medical procedure using a portable, handheld ultrasound device to measure urine volume within the bladder. The procedure is quick and painless, providing a comfortable way to assess bladder function.
Purpose of a Bladder Scan
A bladder scan is performed to assess bladder function. One common indication is to evaluate for urinary retention, which occurs when a person cannot fully empty their bladder. This condition can lead to discomfort, infection, or even kidney damage if left unaddressed. By measuring the post-void residual (PVR) volume, healthcare providers determine if retention is present and its severity.
The scan also helps in diagnosing issues related to bladder emptying, such as an overactive bladder or neurogenic bladder dysfunction. It can determine if a patient requires catheterization for urine drainage, minimizing risks associated with catheterization, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and urethral trauma. Bladder scans can also monitor urine volumes after the removal of an indwelling catheter to monitor bladder function resumption.
Gathering Equipment and Patient Preparation
Performing a bladder scan requires specific equipment for accurate measurements. The primary tool is a portable, handheld bladder scanner device. Ultrasound gel is applied to create a clear pathway for sound waves between the probe and the skin. Wipes are also needed for cleaning the gel from the patient’s skin after the procedure.
Patient preparation focuses on comfort and proper positioning. The individual should lie flat on an examination table or be seated comfortably. Only the lower abdomen needs to be exposed for the scan. Ensuring the patient is relaxed helps facilitate accurate probe placement and clear readings.
Performing the Bladder Scan Procedure
Once the patient is positioned comfortably, the bladder scan procedure can begin. A small amount of ultrasound gel is applied directly to the patient’s lower abdomen, specifically in the suprapubic area, just above the pubic bone. This gel ensures good contact between the scanner probe and the skin, allowing for optimal transmission of the ultrasound waves.
Next, the healthcare provider gently places the scanner probe onto the gelled area of the lower abdomen. The probe needs to be aimed towards the bladder, pointing slightly downwards into the pelvis. For male patients, the probe is directed towards the coccyx, while for female patients, it is angled towards the uterus. Proper alignment is important for obtaining accurate readings and avoiding interference from other structures.
After positioning, the scan is activated. The device then emits harmless sound waves that reflect off the bladder, and the scanner processes these reflections to calculate the bladder volume. Many modern bladder scanners can capture multiple images or “slices” of the bladder to construct a 3D visualization and calculate the volume. To ensure accuracy, it is important to avoid air pockets between the probe and the skin, which the gel helps prevent. Multiple readings may be taken and averaged to enhance reliability.
Understanding Bladder Scan Results
After the scan is completed, the bladder scanner displays a numerical reading in milliliters (mL), indicating the estimated urine volume in the bladder. These volume measurements provide important information about bladder function. For instance, a post-void residual (PVR) volume of less than 50 mL in adults is considered an adequate emptying, while a PVR of 100 mL or more might suggest incomplete bladder emptying.
Elevated volumes can signify urinary retention, which may be caused by various factors such as an obstruction in the urinary tract or a weakened bladder muscle. Conversely, very low volumes might indicate dehydration or other issues if the patient has not recently voided. The interpretation of these values helps healthcare providers assess the immediate status of bladder emptying. This information guides decisions regarding further evaluation or management.