Testing

Urinalysis is a test that studies the content of urine for abnormal substances such as protein or signs of infection. This test involves urinating into a special container and leaving the sample to be studied. Protein is a major building block that our body uses to build muscle. Normally the kidneys leave protein in the blood. If protein shows up in your urine (proteinuria), it may indicate problems with the kidneys. Your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of how well your kidneys are filtering wastes from your blood. Your GFR can be estimated from a routine measurement of creatinine in your blood.

Urodynamic tests evaluate the storage of urine in the bladder and the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra. Your doctor may want to do a urodynamic test if you are having symptoms that suggest problems with the muscles or nerves of your lower urinary system and pelvis - ureters, bladder, urethra and sphincter muscles. Urodynamic tests measure the contraction of the bladder muscle as it fills and empties. The test is done by inserting a small tube called a catheter through your urethra into your bladder to fill it either with water or a gas. Another small tube is inserted into your rectum or vagina to measure the pressure put on your bladder when you strain or cough.

Renal imaging procedures can also be used. X-rays of the urinary tract can help highlight a kidney stone or tumor that could block the flow of urine and cause pain. An x-ray can also show the size and shape of the prostate. X-rays can also be combined with contrast material. For example, in intravenous pyelogram (IVP), a contrast medium is injected into a vein, and followed as it circulates through the blood and reaches the kidneys. In voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), a catheter inserted in the urethra is used to fill the bladder with a contrast medium, which can then be watched on video during urination. Other imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging, are also used.