What is the study of urine flow rate called?

• A. Urethrography
• B. Urography
• C. Uroflowmetry
• D. Cystometry

Answer: (C)

Uroflowmetry is the test that measures urine flow rate. It records how fast urine leaves the bladder over time, producing a flow curve. The main outputs are the peak flow rate (Qmax), the average flow rate, the total voided volume, and the time to peak flow. This test helps evaluate how well the bladder and outlet are functioning—low peak flow can suggest obstruction, while low flow with a small or large voided volume can indicate detrusor underactivity or other functional issues. It’s different from cystometry, which assesses bladder pressure and detrusor activity during filling and voiding; urethrography and urography are imaging tests that visualize the urinary tract or urethra, not flow rate.