A post-void residual (PVR) test measures the amount of pee left in your bladder after you urinate. High PVR levels mean you have urinary retention, which could be caused by an underlying condition. PVR tests are done with bladder catheterization, a bladder scan or a transvaginal ultrasound.
A post-void residual urine test measures the amount of pee left in your bladder after you urinate. It can tell your healthcare provider if you’ve completely emptied your bladder.
When you go to the bathroom, your bladder should empty completely. But sometimes, pee stays in your bladder even after you feel like you’ve emptied it. The amount of pee that remains in your bladder after you urinate is called post-void residual (PVR). A small amount of pee left in your bladder is normal, but large amounts (called urinary retention) can be a sign of health conditions that need to be treated.
A PVR test is used to diagnose urinary retention. Your healthcare provider may recommend it if you’re experiencing:
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
There are a few different methods for measuring PVR. The two most common are:
Most of the time, there’s no special preparation for a PVR test. You should be able to eat and drink normally. But ask your provider if there are any special instructions to follow before the test.
Just before the bladder catheterization, you’ll go to the bathroom and empty your bladder as completely as possible. Then you’ll lie on your back on an exam table with your knees out to either side of you.
To perform a bladder catheterization PVR test, your provider will:
Just before the ultrasound, you’ll go to the bathroom and empty your bladder as completely as possible. Then you’ll lie on your back on an exam table.
To perform a bladder scan test to measure PVR, your provider will:
Post-void residual testing is an outpatient procedure. You can go home or to work and resume your normal activities afterward. If you had a bladder catheterization, you may feel some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. Drinking lots of water and peeing several times can help alleviate this feeling.
Bladder catheterization has small risks of:
Advertisement
Results of a post-void residual test report the amount of pee left in your bladder, or PVR volume. A normal post-void residual volume is between 50 mL (milliliters) and 100 mL. Your provider might consider different PVR volumes high or abnormal for you. They’ll explain what your results mean.
Ask your healthcare team when you can expect results. They’re often available immediately.
High post-void residual volume (urinary retention) can be caused by a number of medical conditions, including:
If you have a high PVR volume, your provider will suggest treatments based on what’s causing it. Medications, surgery and other procedures are possible treatments. Your provider will talk to you about your options for further testing and treatments.
Go to an emergency room (ER) right away if you can’t pee at all. Contact your healthcare provider if you have:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
If you have symptoms of urinary retention, your provider might recommend a post-void residual (PVR) test. While a small amount of PVR is normal, large amounts can damage your bladder and might be a sign of a condition you need to treat. Your provider will suggest treatments to address the cause. Ask your provider about your concerns about the test or your results.
Last reviewed on 02/09/2024.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy