What is the term for the assessment of bladder function and urine flow?

The assessment of bladder function and urine flow is referred to as urodynamics. This specialized testing evaluates how well the bladder stores and releases urine, providing critical information about bladder capacity, pressure during filling and emptying, and the ability of the sphincters to control urine flow. Urodynamic studies are particularly useful in diagnosing various disorders of micturition, such as incontinence, overactive bladder, or urinary retention.

Cystoscopy involves the use of a scope to visualize the interior of the bladder and urethra, making it useful for diagnosing structural issues but not assessing bladder function directly. Urinalysis is primarily a laboratory test that analyzes the physical and chemical properties of urine to identify conditions such as infections or metabolic disorders. A bladder scan utilizes ultrasound technology to measure the volume of urine in the bladder, which can help assess retention but does not provide the comprehensive insights about bladder dynamics that urodynamics does.