Urinary tract Tests and Evaluation

URINARY TRACT MANAGEMENT IN SPINAL CORD INJURY: URINATION AND THE URINARY TRACT IN SCI: URINARY TRACT TESTS AND EVALUATION

The following tests evaluate your urinary system and diagnose complications. Your physiatrist, or the urologist assigned to you, will determine whether any of these tests are appropriate for you.

History/Physical exam will be done by your physician.

Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test/Urine Analysis may be done to check for infection of the bladder. In this test, a urine sample is checked for the amount of bacteria, type of bacteria, and the antibiotics which will be most effective in killing the bacteria. Recomended at least yearly.

Creatinine Clearance is a 24 hour urine collection test which measures urine creatinine which reflects kidney function.

Blood Tests help determine the level of kidney function and should be done yearly. Tests can include serum creatinine, urea nitrogen (BUN) and, if indicated, prostate specific antigen (PSA).

Renal Ultrasound is noninvasive and can approximate size of kidney and reveal deformities. Recommended yearly.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray of the kidney to determine its structure and function.

Cystogram (CG) is an X-ray of the bladder to show its contours and if reflux is present.

Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCU) is an X-ray of the bladder, taken while voiding, to show the contours of the bladder and the function of the bladder neck, external sphincter muscle, and urethra.

Cystoscopy is a direct examination of the bladder through an instrument called a cystoscope. Done by a urologist, a cystoscopy can detect infection of the bladder and bladder stones. Cystoscopy can also determine how well the bladder is emptying. Recommended every 10 years, specially in patients with indwelling or suprapubic catheters.

Urodynamic Studies are special tests for bladder function which help your urologist determine the best program of urinary tract management for you. Recommended every three tears, or more frequently if indicated.