What is the purpose of a post-void residual urine test?

The purpose of a post-void residual urine test is to determine if there is leftover urine in the bladder after a person has attempted to urinate. This assessment is crucial for evaluating bladder function and identifying potential issues such as urinary retention, which can occur due to various medical conditions, including bladder obstruction or neurological disorders. If the test reveals a significant amount of residual urine, it may indicate that the bladder is not emptying completely, which can lead to a range of complications, including recurrent urinary tract infections and bladder damage.

The other options focus on different aspects of urinary health that are not assessed by this specific test. For example, while assessing the health of the bladder tissue is important, it is typically evaluated through imaging studies or biopsies rather than a post-void residual urine test. Likewise, measuring urine output over a designated period involves collecting urine and calculating total volume, which diverges from the focus of evaluating residual urine. Lastly, while checking for signs of infection is a significant concern in urological health, it typically requires urine culture or analysis rather than a post-void residual test. Thus, the primary focus of the post-void residual urine test is accurately reflected in the determination of leftover urine after voiding.