What type of test may be ordered to assess bladder function?

Urodynamic studies are specifically designed to evaluate bladder function. This encompasses a series of tests that measure bladder pressure, capacity, and the efficiency of the bladder in storing and expelling urine. These studies help determine the presence of conditions such as urinary incontinence, bladder obstruction, or neurogenic bladder.

In contrast, a complete blood count primarily assesses overall health and detects a variety of disorders, such as infections or anemia but does not provide information about bladder function. X-ray imaging is generally used to view structural issues with bones and certain organs and does not provide insights into how the bladder is functioning. Similarly, a CT scan of the abdomen can identify abnormalities in the urinary tract, but it does not assess the functional aspects of bladder activity. Therefore, urodynamic studies are the appropriate test to evaluate bladder performance effectively.