Post-Void Residual

Description:
A catheter is a small, hollow, flexible tube that is gently inserted into the bladder to drain any remaining (residual) urine after you have emptied (voided) your bladder. A catheterized urine sample is obtained to send a sterile (uncontaminated) sample to the lab for examination and to check for infection. Some patients after surgery will have an "indwelling catheter", which is a catheter that remains in the bladder for a few weeks while they are recovering from surgery. Some patients desire to be taught to catheterize themselves after surgery rather than have an indwelling catheter.

Time:
The test takes about 10 minutes. The teaching visit takes 20-30 minutes.

Preparation:
None.