Uroflowmetry
Uroflow Meter 4A SURGICALS Flow 814 is fully automatic device. It is microprocessor based digitally controlled, highly accurate piezoresistive weight based flow transducer device.
Uroflowmetry or Urine flowmetry is one way of integrating the activity of the bladder and the outlet during the emptying phase of micturation. The micturation process consists of detrusor function of bladder neck opening and urethral conductivity. It can establish the type of abnormality and filter the patients who require further invasive procedures. Thus, it avoids under treatment in the younger age group & restricts overzealous invasive procedure in the older age group.
When the micturation process starts, a volume change is sensed by the microprocessor based device automatically, which determines and stores urinary volume, flow rate and time along with other parameters. At the end of micturation process the microprocessor based device programmed to determine parameters relating to urinary flow like voided volume, voiding time, flow time, maximum flow rate, average flow rate and time to maximum flow. It also provides the graphical flow curve of the micturation process by the means of flow rate v/s time. At the end of micturation process, by automatic preset delay, it gives a printout which consists of a graphical flow curve as well as statistics relating to parameters of urinary flow altogether with the patients information.
Uroflowmetry Equipment
4A SURGICALS-Flow-814 system has been designed keeping the comfort of both the ends in mind i.e. patient and urologist. It is a quick and handy way for day to day flow study. We are the high quality Uroflowmetry Equipment manufacturer where precision speaks. The complete Uroflowmetry system has following essential equipment :
- Precise Microprocessor Device
- Transducer
- Micturition Chair and Funnel
- Beaker
- Printer
| Line Voltage | 80 V-230V AC Stabilized |
| Line Frequency | 50 Hz |
| Dimensions (only uroflow module) | 292 mm x 210 mm x 110 mm (L x b x h ) |
| Repeat Copy | Selectable in two modes - 5ml / 10ml per sec. |
| Accuracy | ±5% of voided volume in reading ±2% of voided volume at full range |
| Maximum Capacity for a single micturation | 2000 ml. |
| Maximum peak flow rate detectable | 50 ml/sec. |
| Maximum micturation times | Normal : 50 seconds Extended : 300 seconds |
| Maximum detectable "Time to Max Flow" | 1 second |
| Parameters Measured | Voided volume, voiding time, flow time, max. flow rate, time to max. flow, avg. flow rate and hesitancy |
| Standard Accessories | Advance Microprocessor based Ad-On module, Transducer, Micturation chair with back rest and arms, Urine collection beaker and EPSON Compatible Dot matrix Printer |
| Printer | Supports to WIPRO/EPSON Compatible Dot matrix printer |
| Note : The flow trace printout normally starts 2mm from the graph left hand side to show the starting point. The time equivalent to this is not included in the derived values printed out. | |
We suggest to calibrate transducer on 2000 ml calibration system to avoid uneven measurements. This further enhances accuracy and +1% voided volume.
Voided Volume
Uroflowmetry results are best with filled bladder and voided volume between 200 ml and 400 ml. Volumes lesser than 150 ml are unreliable so it is advisable to drink a lot of water before heading for the test. In unobstructed cases, the maximum flow rate rises proportionally to the square root of voided volume.
Flow Time & Voiding Time
In normal case, the voiding and flow time are same i.e. less than 60 seconds but in intermittent flow both of these parameters differ. Post voiding dribbles come under non-pathological conditions.
Average Flow Rate
Flow rate is the speed at which urine flows. It is measured by dividing voided volume by flow time.
Maximum Flow Rate
This is the most important parameter in Uroflowmetry. In male patients, flow rate less than 15 ml/sec can be an alarming situation as it indicates urine retention or prostate enlargement risks. In females, bladder base insufficiency can lead to higher flow rates.
| ACCEPTABLE MINIMUM URINE FLOW RATES | |||
| AGE | MIN. VOIDED VOLUME | FLOW RATES | |
| Years | ml/sec. | Males | Females |
| 04-07 | 100 | 10 | 10 |
| 8-13 | 100 | 12 | 15 |
| 14-45 | 200 | 21 | 18 |
| 46-55 | 200 | 22 | 15 |
| 56-80 | 200 | 09 | 10 |
The maximum flow rate normally changes with age and young men in particular may be virtually obstructed with maximum flow rate about 15 ml/sec. so calls high flow high pressure intra-vesicle obstruction. In females 20ml/sec. is traditionally the arbitrary lower limit exists but in decreased urethral resistance due to bladder base insufficiency, extremely high flow rates may be encountered.
Delay Time (Hesitancy)
It is the time gap between considerable urge to urinate and the beginning of the actual voiding. It is usually less than 10 seconds.