What are bladder scanners?
Bladder scanners, also known as bladder ultrasound scanners or portable ultrasound bladder scanners, are non-invasive medical devices used to measure bladder volume. They use ultrasound technology to produce images and measurements of the bladder without having to insert a catheter.
How do bladder scanners work?
Bladder scanners use sound waves to create images of the bladder. The scanners emit high frequency sound waves that bounce off tissues and organs in the bladder area. The echoed sound waves are then captured by the scanner's transducer. A computer within the scanner analyzes the returning sound wave signals and uses this information to construct a two-dimensional image of the bladder on its display screen.
By measuring things like bladder width, depth and shape in the ultrasound image, the scanner is able to calculate the volume of urine contained inside the bladder. Displayed volume measurements are typically in milliliters or cubic centimeters. Scanners provide real-time bladder volume readings without the risks associated with catheter insertion.
Where are bladder scanners used?
Bladder scanners find wide application in hospitals, nursing homes, doctor's offices and other clinical settings. Some common uses of bladder scanners include:
- Assessing bladder fullness pre- and post-void in incontinence evaluations
- Determining need for catheter insertion or removal
- Monitoring urine output in patients with urinary retention issues
- Assisting with timed and double voiding protocols
- Guiding clean intermittent catheterization programs
- Evaluating post-void residual volumes in patients with urinary problems
With portable designs, bladder scanners can be brought directly to the patient's bedside for convenient, non-invasive bladder scanning. This allows for regular monitoring of bladder volume without repeatedly moving the patient.
Benefits of bladder scanning
Bladder scanners offer several important clinical benefits compared to catheterization methods:
- Minimal patient discomfort: There is no pain or risk of urinary tract infection associated with bladder scanning since no catheter is used.
- Quick and easy to use: Most scanners can provide an accurate bladder volume readout within seconds. This saves time compared to inserting a catheter when staff are busy.
- Improved monitoring: Bladder scanners allow frequent, serial bladder volume assessments that would not be feasible using intermittent catheterization alone.
- Avoidance of catheter-related risks: Inserting catheters risks urethral trauma, infection introduction and incorrect placement. Bladder scanning eliminates these potential complications.
- High patient acceptance: Patients generally prefer the non-invasive nature of bladder scanning over having a catheter inserted. This improves compliance with monitoring protocols.
Accuracy of bladder scanners
Numerous clinical studies have validated the accuracy of portable bladder scanners for measuring bladder volume when compared to direct catheterization. Some key findings include:
- Bladder scanners have been shown to correlate highly with catheterization-measured volumes, typically within ±10-25mL.
- Accuracy is best when bladder is ≥100mL full and worsens as volume decreases, particularly <50mL.
- Patient body habitus (size/composition) can potentially affect accuracy, with obese patients being more challenging to image.
- Placement of scanner, ensuring full bladder visibility in the scan field, and following manufacturer prep instructions optimizes results.
- Studies find over 90% of scan-measured volumes fall within acceptable accuracy ranges compared to catheterization.
With proper use per manufacturer guidelines, portable bladder scanners provide a fast, non-invasive means of assessing bladder volumes in a wide range of clinical settings with accuracy comparable to catheterization. Their benefits greatly outweigh the risks for most patients.
How to use a bladder scanner properly
Here are the basic steps to perform a bladder scan accurately:
1. Select a private, well-lit area and explain the procedure to the patient. Position them supine or standing with knees slightly flexed.
2. Prepare the patient's pubic area by applying ultrasound gel if required by the scanner model. Expose only the area needed for scanning.
3. Turn on the scanner and apply the transducer to the pubic area, adjusting skin contact pressure as needed.
4. Visually confirm the bladder is fully visible within the ultrasound image on the scanner's screen.
5. Press measure/calculate button or allow automatic volume calculation based on bladder dimensions in the scan.
6. Record bladder volume measurement displayed on the scanner. Repeat scan if needed for validation.
7. Wipe away any remaining gel. Maintain professionalism and patient comfort/privacy at all times.
With practice, bladder scans can typically be completed within 1-2 minutes following the basic protocol above. Proper technique ensures accurate, reproducible volume assessments.
This covers the essential aspects of what bladder scanners are, how they work, their main clinical applications, benefits over catheterization, accuracy, and proper use instructions. As a non-invasive alternative to catheterization, bladder ultrasound scanners provide a fast, safe means of assessing bladder volume at the bedside. Their growing use supports improved monitoring and management of patients with lower urinary tract conditions.
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