Flow measurements: Can several “Wrongs” make a “Right”?

Abstract

Although simple in design, the home flowmeter actually shows greater accuracy than might be expected when used repeatedly to study the flow rates of men. Simple flow devices such as this could be used in conjunction with voiding diaries to give a more representative picture of patients' day-to-day voiding function.

Methods and value of home uroflowmetry in the assessment of men with lower urinary tract symptoms: A literature review

“… Seven home uroflowmeters described in the literature: ( A ) Smith's device,8 ( B ) Streamtest cup,9 ( C ) PEL device,10 ( D ) Uflow Meter®,11, 27 ( E ) Peakometer,12–14 ( F ) P‐flow,16–19 and ( G ) Da Capo 20, 21…”

“…Caffarel et al27 recruited 22 volunteers to perform two clinic flows and record home flows for two weeks using the Uflow Meter®. Bland Altman analysis showed considerable variation between the two clinic readings (mean difference = 2.5 ml/sec) whereas comparison of average Q max from multiple home flow recordings made during successive weeks showed little variation (mean difference = −0.2 ml/sec).…”

“…Boci et al22 reported a questionnaire study in which 20 of 25 patients considered home uroflowmetry using an electronic device to be simpler and more acceptable than clinic uroflowmetry. Several other studies reported that participants found the home flow devices easy to use,9–11, 16, 21, 27 but neither quantitative data nor the method used to establish this were presented.…”

“…Several simple, low‐cost home flow instruments that provide a measure of Q max have been reported, at least one of which is commercially available. It has been demonstrated that the large potential error in a single measurement from these devices is counteracted by the effect of averaging repeated measurements 27. Combining Q ave from a timed void with Q max from a funnel device may provide information regarding the shape of the flow curve to take this low technology concept further.…”

Avoid cruising on the uroflowmeter: Evaluation of cruising artifact on spinning disc flowmeters in an experimental setup

“…There was a significant increase in Q max with each successive void 9. Caffarel et al16 have suggested the use of home flowmeters to obtain multiple flow rate readings to improve the reliability of flow rate measurements.…”