UROLOGICAL TESTING
There are many tests performed that can help the Urologists to diagnose or monitor the conditions of the urinary-tract and male reproductive organs
Bladder Scan & Flow Rate Test
Instructions: Finish drinking 1L of water, 1 hour prior to your appointment. Do NOT urinate prior to test. Approximate time: 10 minutes
During the procedure, you will be asked to urinate into a special toilet, that is connected to a computer. As you urinate, the computer prints out results related to the strength, volume and timing of your stream. When finished, the Urologist will perform an ultrasound of your bladder to measure how much, if any urine remains in your bladder.
Cystoscopy
Instructions: No preparation. You may drive yourself to and from the hospital and return to your daily routine immediately. Approximate time: 45 minutes
Cystoscopy is to look inside the ureter and bladder. A cystoscope is a long, thin optical instrument with an eyepiece at one end, a rigid or flexible tube in the middle, and a tiny lens and light at the other end of the tube. By looking through the cystoscope, the urologist can see detailed images of the lining of the urethra and bladder to look for any abnormalities or infection.
Prostate Biopsy
Instructions: 1 week prior to biopsy, anti-coagulants are to stop. 24 hours in advance of the procedure, to take the prescribed antibiotics and 1-2 hours prior to use a Fleet enema. Approximate time: 2 hours
Abnormal prostates that require further investigation are sent for biopsy. Done in hospital, ultrasound images guide a needle to remove pieces of the prostate tissue for examination with a microscope. This process, called biopsy, can reveal whether prostate cancer is present.
Digital Rectal Exam
A DRE is a physical exam of the prostate. The health care provider will ask the patient to bend over a table or lie on his side while holding his knees close to his chest. The health care provider slides a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the part of the prostate that lies next to it. The DRE may be slightly uncomfortable, but it is brief. This exam reveals whether the prostate has any abnormalities that require more testing.
Lab Testing
You must be given a lab requisition to do a urine and/or blood test. Please follow the instructions given on timing of the tests. You will be provided a follow-up appointment to get the test results or the doctor may call you with the results. Please note, it is your responsibility to find out your test results and should contact the office if you have not heard back in 3 weeks after your test.
Semen Analysis
Semen analysis is done as a first step in determining male infertility. The sample is tested for the presence of sperm and the motility and quality of the sperm. A semen analysis is also done after a vasectomy to determine if the procedure has successfully eliminated sperm from the ejaculate.
Imaging Procedures
Ultrasound:Abdomen & Pelvis:
Instructions: No food/fluids after midnight before your exam. 1 hour prior to the exam, drink 1L of water and do NOT urinate
Ultrasound:Abdomen:
Instructions: No food or fluids after midnight before your exam. If you need to take medication, it can be with a sip of water
Ultrasound: Pelvis:
Instructions: Drink 1L of water, 1 hour prior to exam and do NOT urinate. You may eat normally.
Ct Scan
Instructions: No food/fluids 4 hours prior to test. If you are diabetic, and taking Glucophage or Metformin, talk to your family doctor, as these medications must be stopped 48 hours after your exam.
Renal Scan
Instructions: Drink 3-4 glasses of water, prior to test.
Bone Density Test
Instructions: No barium-based tests within 14 days prior to test. No bone scan tests within 1 week prior to test.