Urinary Retention Assessment
PVR Measurement
mL
Awaiting Values
Enter the measured volume or bladder dimensions to interpret the PVR.
Guidelines & Evidence
Verified
Last Review: 2026
When to Use
When to Measure Post-Void Residual (PVR)
Evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men and women
Assessment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO)
Investigation of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Neurogenic bladder (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes)
Voiding dysfunction after pelvic surgery or radiation
Monitoring response to medical therapy for BPH (alpha-blockers, 5-ARIs)
Pre- and post-operative assessment after prostate or incontinence surgery
Screening for urinary retention in elderly or frail patients
Part of routine urodynamic evaluation or when considering clean intermittent catheterization (CIC)
Clinical Context
Post-void residual volume reflects the ability of the bladder to empty effectively. Elevated PVR is associated with increased risk of urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and upper tract deterioration in severe cases. While PVR alone does not diagnose bladder outlet obstruction, it is a simple, non-invasive, and widely available objective measure that complements symptom scores such as IPSS and helps guide management decisions.
Common Indications for Urgent Evaluation
Acute urinary retention (inability to void with painful distended bladder)
Chronic urinary retention with PVR > 300–500 mL
Recurrent UTIs with elevated PVR
New-onset elevated PVR in a patient with known neurological disease
Significant PVR with hydronephrosis on imaging
Related Scores in Practice
In clinical practice, this assessment is frequently evaluated alongside other validated measures. Depending on the patient's presentation and specific diagnostic requirements, you may also need to utilize the IPSS-R (Revised IPSS for MDS), BPH Impact Index, OAB-V8, ICIQ-UI SF or the UDI-6 to formulate a comprehensive care plan.
Last Comprehensive Review: 2026