Uroflow, Electromyography (EMG) and Bladder Scan Test

These tests are a simple way for your provider to find out more about your child’s bladder and how your child urinates.

What does the test tell us? 

• The amount of urine in your child’s bladder.

• The speed that urine flows out of the bladder.

• If the urine stream starts and stops or is a continuous flow.

• The muscles that are used when your child urinates.

• The amount of urine in your child’s bladder after urinating. 

How do I prepare my child for this test?

• Your child must come to the test with a full bladder. If your child’s bladder is not full, we cannot do the test and you may have to reschedule.

• Your child should try not to urinate for 2 hours before the test. We know this may not be easy for your child. 

• Your child should drink at least 16-24 oz of liquid (water is best) about one hour before the test and keep drinking until the test starts.

• Your child should not have any drinks with caffeine because it may affect the results of the test.

• Make sure your child is well hydrated 1-2 days before the test to make it easier to have a full bladder.

• Your child should have a soft, easy to pass bowel movement the day before the test. If your child has a bowel movement during the test, you may have to reschedule.

• Please bring an extra set of clothes in case your child has an accident.

If your child is taking bladder medicine, some may need to be stopped before the test. Your provider will talk about your child’s medicine.

You should stop taking _______________ by ___/___/_____ and schedule a follow up uroflow/EMG study about ______________ (days/weeks) after stopping the medicine. 

What happens during the test?

Before the test, we will measure how much urine is in your child’s bladder with a bladder scan. This is like an ultrasound and is not painful. A small amount of gel will be put on your child’s lower abdomen. If the bladder is full enough, we will do the test. 

Several sticky patches (EMG sensors) are placed on your child’s body. These patches measure how the muscles work when you pass urine. Two patches will be on the buttocks close to the anal opening. Another patch is placed on the back and three patches on the stomach. 

Once the patches are in place, your child will urinate into a toilet that connects to a computer sensor (uroflow test). During the test you may stay with your child or we will give your child privacy, if able. After the test is done, a second bladder scan is done to measure how much urine is left in the bladder. This is called the post void residual (PVR). When do I get the results of this test? 

Your provider will contact you with results and your child’s treatment plan by phone within 2 weeks of the test. If an office visit is scheduled, results will be discussed the same day.

Who to Call

Pediatric Urology Clinic

608-263-6420 or 1-800-323-8942

If you are a patient receiving care at UnityPoint – Meriter, Swedish American or a health system outside of UW Health, please use the phone numbers provided in your discharge instructions for any questions or concerns.