Evaluation Background: Bladder Scanners

Here's background for our Evaluations of bladder scanners, outlining the key considerations for making wise purchasing decisions. Learn how the technology is used, which specs are important, and what factors we test for. Also review our latest product ratings and ECRI Institute's data describing hospitals' interest in specific models.

Bladder scanners use ultrasound technologies to determine the volume of urine in the urinary bladder, including pre-void and post-void bladder volume, commonly referred to as post-void residual (PVR) volume. The use of bladder scanners reduces the need to catheterize patients, which in turn can reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). CAUTIs are one of the most common hospital-acquired infections (Magill et al. 2018).

To be considered in this category a bladder scanner must:

1. Be indicated to assess urinary bladder volume

2. Automatically calculate the volume of urine in the urinary bladder

3. Be a dedicated bladder scanner or be...