MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network
Health Information and Tools > Tests & Treatments >  Post-Void Residual Urine Test
Facebook Tweet Share
Print the content on this page Decrease the font size of content Increase the font size of content

Main Content

Related to Conditions

Top of the page

Post-Void Residual Urine Test

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:

  • Incontinence (accidental release of urine) in women and men.
  • Urination problems.
  • An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).

The amount of leftover (residual) urine can be measured by draining the bladder with a thin flexible tube (catheter) or by using ultrasound.

Credits

Current as of: March 1, 2023

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. Learn how we develop our content.

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. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.

© 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

© 2022 Government of Alberta.
About MyHealth.Alberta.ca | Contact Us
Terms & Conditions  |  Accessibility   |  Privacy
MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network
​