Labs commonly used in evaluating urinary incontinence include which combination?

• A. UA only
• B. PVR only
• C. Both UA and PVR
• D. Urine culture only

Answer: (C)

When evaluating urinary incontinence, you want a view of both bladder health and how well the bladder empties. A urinalysis screens for infection, blood, and other abnormalities that can mimic or worsen incontinence. A post-void residual measurement shows how much urine remains after voiding, which helps detect incomplete emptying or overflow that can contribute to symptoms. Together, these two tests give essential baseline information to guide classification and management.

Relying on just a urinalysis might miss issues with emptying, while relying on just residual measurement might miss infection or inflammatory changes. A urine culture by itself focuses on infection and doesn’t provide information about emptying status, and is typically reserved for when infection is suspected or confirmed on urinalysis. Therefore, using both urinalysis and post-void residual assessment offers the most comprehensive initial evaluation.