Bladder Volume Formula:
From: | To: |
Definition: This calculator estimates bladder volume using point-of-care ultrasound measurements based on the ellipsoid formula.
Purpose: It helps medical professionals assess bladder volume non-invasively for urinary retention evaluation or pre-procedure assessment.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula approximates the bladder as an ellipsoid shape, with π/6 being the ellipsoid correction factor.
Details: Accurate bladder volume assessment helps diagnose urinary retention, guide catheterization decisions, and evaluate post-void residuals.
Tips: Enter the three orthogonal measurements (length, width, height) obtained from ultrasound imaging in centimeters.
Q1: How accurate is this estimation method?
A: The ellipsoid formula has about 90% accuracy compared to actual bladder volumes in most adult patients.
Q2: What's a normal bladder volume range?
A: Normal bladder capacity is typically 300-500 mL, but can vary based on individual factors.
Q3: When is this calculation most useful?
A: Particularly valuable for assessing post-void residuals and evaluating urinary retention.
Q4: How do I convert cm³ to mL?
A: They are equivalent (1 cm³ = 1 mL), so no conversion needed.
Q5: What if my patient has an irregularly shaped bladder?
A: The calculation may be less accurate for significantly distorted bladders - consider clinical correlation.