The accuracy of ultrasonic estimation of bladder volume: a comparison of portable and stationary equipment

Abstract

Objective: To compare the accuracy of portable and stationary ultrasonography equipment in estimating residual bladder volume.

Design: A prospective study.

Setting: A rehabilitation hospital affiliated with a medical university in Taiwan.

Participants: Sixty-four patients with voiding dysfunction.

Interventions: Each patient received both types of ultrasonography, plus catheterization (as the criterion standard for measuring bladder volume).

Main outcome measures: The mean errors and mean percentage error resulting from use of the 2 types of equipment were recorded.

Results: Stationary real-time ultrasonography had a lower absolute error (21.9+/-25.0 mL vs 34.4+/-38.2 mL) and percentage error (13.1%+/-10.5% vs 36%+/-52.4%) than the portable ultrasonography (P<.05).

Conclusion: Stationary ultrasonography provided a more accurate estimate of residual bladder volumes than did the portable device. However, portable ultrasonography is more convenient to use and has an acceptable accuracy for clinical use.