A bladder ultrasound with PVR is a non-invasive transabdominal scan that measures post-void residual (PVR) urine volume after you urinate. It detects incomplete bladder emptying, urinary retention, obstruction or neurogenic bladder and helps guide management. The test is painless and quick. Small residual volumes (about <50 mL) are usually normal; volumes >100 mL suggest incomplete emptying and >200 mL indicate significant retention requiring evaluation.

PVR (post-void residual) is the volume of urine remaining in the bladder after voiding, measured by a bladder scanner or ultrasound. It evaluates bladder emptying and detects urinary retention from causes such as BPH, neurogenic bladder, or recent surgery. Values under about 50 mL are generally normal; consistently above 100–200 mL suggests significant retention requiring further assessment and treatment.

When post-void residual (PVR) is high, urine remains in the bladder after voiding, causing incomplete emptying. This increases risk of urinary tract infections, bladder overdistention, overflow incontinence and bladder muscle damage; severe or chronic retention can back up to the kidneys, causing hydronephrosis and impaired renal function. Evaluation and treatment (catheterization, medications, or surgery) help prevent complications.

A post‑void residual (PVR) measures how much urine remains in the bladder after voiding. It is commonly assessed with a bladder scanner — a portable ultrasound device — but can also be measured by catheterization. Bladder scans are convenient and fairly accurate; catheter measurement is considered the gold standard when exact volume is required.

PVR (post‑void residual urine) is a measurement, not a disease, and isn’t usually directly painful. However, a high PVR—meaning incomplete bladder emptying—can cause urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, a feeling of incomplete emptying, suprapubic discomfort or fullness, urinary retention pain, and increased UTI risk. See a clinician if you have severe pain, fever, dribbling, or difficulty passing urine.

The cost of a post-void residual (PVR) test varies by country and setting. In public health systems it’s often free; in private outpatient clinics bladder-scan PVR typically ranges about $25–$200 (US), £50–£150 (UK), or roughly INR 500–2,000 (India). If done with formal ultrasound or urodynamic studies, total charges can reach several hundred dollars.