How well does your bladder empty?
A post-void residual (PVR) test measures the amount of urine remaining in your bladder after you’ve urinated. At Prestige Medical Group, we use a quick, non-invasive ultrasound or bladder scanner — no catheter, no anesthesia, and no aftereffects. It’s often the missing piece that explains symptoms other tests can’t.
Understanding post-void residual
When you go to the bathroom, your bladder should empty completely. But sometimes urine remains behind even after you feel like you’ve finished. The amount of urine that stays in your bladder after voiding is called post-void residual (PVR) — and measuring it reveals important information about how well your bladder is functioning.
A small amount of remaining urine is completely normal. But higher volumes can signal urinary retention — a sign that something may be interfering with normal bladder emptying. Identifying urinary retention early matters because untreated retention can damage the bladder over time and contribute to recurring infections.
Understanding your results
Your healthcare provider will interpret your specific result in the context of your symptoms and overall health.
Healthy bladder emptying
A normal post-void residual volume is generally between 50 and 100 mL. This indicates the bladder is emptying appropriately during voiding.
Possible urinary retention
Higher volumes may indicate urinary retention and warrant further evaluation to identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
The essentials
Non-invasive
Bladder scan / ultrasound — no catheter, no scope, no anesthesia
Very quick
Adds just a few minutes to your visit
No prep needed
No special preparation — eat and drink normally
No aftereffects
Resume normal activities immediately
Usually paired with uroflow testing
PVR is most often performed immediately following a uroflow study. Together, the two tests give a complete picture: uroflow measures the strength of your urinary stream, and PVR confirms how much (if any) urine was left behind. The combination is more informative than either test alone — and the entire visit is still quick and non-invasive.
When PVR is recommended
PVR testing is used to detect urinary retention and explain symptoms that other tests can’t fully account for.
Frequent Urination
When the bladder doesn’t fully empty, you may need to urinate again sooner than expected
Learn more →Urinary Incontinence
A bladder that doesn’t fully empty can contribute to overflow leakage between bathroom visits
Learn more →Recurrent UTIs
Urine that sits in the bladder for extended periods can become a breeding ground for bacteria
Learn more →Incomplete Emptying Sensation
If you feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bladder after urinating, PVR can confirm whether that’s the case
Bladder Stones
High PVR can contribute to stone formation — and stones can in turn worsen retention
Learn more →BPH Evaluation
Measuring PVR helps assess how much an enlarged prostate is interfering with bladder emptying
Learn more →What to expect
The bladder scan method we use at Prestige Medical Group is straightforward and painless.
Empty your bladder
You’ll first void as completely as possible in the restroom.
Lie on the exam table
A small amount of ultrasound gel is applied to your lower abdomen.
Bladder scan
A handheld probe is gently moved across your belly to capture images of your bladder.
Get your results
The scan calculates the remaining volume — results are often available immediately.
Causes of high PVR
If your PVR is higher than normal, your provider will work to identify what’s causing it. Common contributors include:
Enlarged Prostate
A leading cause in men — BPH obstructs urine flow
Learn more →Urinary Tract Blockage
Stones, tumors, or other obstructions in the urinary tract
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications can interfere with bladder emptying
Narrowed Urethra
Urethral stricture restricts the flow of urine
Nerve Issues
Neurogenic bladder from conditions like MS, Parkinson’s, stroke
If you cannot urinate at all
Acute urinary retention — the inability to urinate at all — is a medical emergency. If you can’t pee, go to the emergency room right away. Also contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience abdominal pain or swelling, painful urination, fever, or cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Schedule your PVR test.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest urinary retention — or your provider has recommended PVR testing — schedule an appointment with our urology team. It’s one of the simplest, fastest tests we offer.