Post-Void Residual Urine Test

Topic 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. The catheter method has a slight risk of causing infection or injury to the tube leading from the bladder (urethra). But the catheter method is safe when done carefully. And it may be less expensive than ultrasound.