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Flowmetry and post-void residual measurement, children

A flowmetry toilet is a device shaped like a toilet or a chair. The examination mimics a normal toilet situation, where the child sits on the toilet chair and urinates into a funnel with a cup underneath to collect the urine. The flowmetry toilet is connected to a computer that records the measurements.

Why is the examination performed?

Flowmetry is used as part of an assessment if the child has urination problems such as urinary leakage, frequent/infrequent urination, bedwetting or other issues. The examination is suitable for children who can control their urination, usually from around 3 years of age.

The examination provides useful information about bladder and urethral function, that is, how you urinate. Residual urine is also measured to see whether the child can empty the bladder completely. We measure residual urine using ultrasound/a bladder scanner.

 

Before

Talk to the child about what will happen. The child should drink more than usual before the examination, around 3–5 dl during the last hour before the examination. The child should arrive with as full a bladder as possible. Avoid urinating during the last 2–3 hours before the examination.

If there is a wait before the child is seen for the examination and the child feels a strong urge to urinate, please tell the reception. Otherwise, the examination is done when the child says they need to urinate. Residual urine is measured after the child has urinated.

We usually ask you to complete a urination diary / nappy weighing test before the examination. Information about this will be included with the appointment letter.

During

The flowmetry examination takes place in the treatment room. The child must be able to urinate on a slightly unfamiliar toilet. Parents/guardians may be present if the child wishes. Afterwards, the child will lie on an examination couch for the residual urine measurement. We apply some ultrasound gel to the abdomen to measure residual urine and use a rounded probe that is pressed gently against the abdomen. A urotherapist will be present, and sometimes a doctor as well.

Does it hurt?

The child urinates in the way they are used to. The gel used to measure residual urine may feel a little cold. Otherwise, there is only gentle pressure on the abdomen. Some people may find it a little ticklish.

How long does the examination take?

Around 1–1.5 hours are set aside for the consultation, examination and summary. It can sometimes be difficult to estimate exactly when the child will need to urinate. The residual urine measurement itself takes around 5 minutes.

After

The child can go home straight after the consultation and examination are finished. There are no side effects or precautions to take after the examination.

When will I receive the results?

You will receive the results verbally straight away. We will also send the results to the doctor/paediatric department that referred you for the examination, as well as to your GP and to your home.

Last professionally updated 04.02.2025

Contact

  • Contact the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescents (BUA), Arendal

    Where to go

    Please contact the reception at the paediatric department, 6E, on the 6th floor of the main building



    Sørlandet sykehus Arendal sett fra luften.

    Sørlandet Hospital Arendal

    Sykehusveien 1

    Sykehusveien 1, 4838 Arendal

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your place of treatment.

    As a general rule, you should use public transport, and you must pay a user fee. To be reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Practical information

    You can fill prescriptions and buy pharmacy products at the hospital pharmacy in Arendal.
    You will find us on the 1st floor of the main building, just inside the entrance.
    Open weekdays from 08:30 to 16:00.

    Arendal Hospital Pharmacy

    Does the appointment time not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally at helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are due to visit if you need a new appointment time. You must be a registered user of Helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard at: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill and need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient, a relative, or a parent of a sick child who has siblings. We at the hospital will help ensure that children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as next of kin


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    5:00–7:00 p.m. on weekdays
    2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–7:00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    2:00–3:00 p.m. and 6:00–7:00 p.m.
    Maternity ward: 5:00–7:00 p.m. (quiet time/no visits: 2:00–4:00 p.m.)

    Kristiansand:
    5:00–7:00 p.m. on weekdays
    2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–7:00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays

    Postnatal ward: 4:00–6:00 p.m. every day for the newborn’s healthy siblings.

    The patient library in Arendal is located in the basement of the main building. It is self-service and open 24 hours a day. You can borrow books and read newspapers and magazines here.

    Many people wish to bring flowers when visiting a patient in hospital, but due to allergies and the risk of infection, several of our departments are flower-free. If you would like to bring the patient a gift, we would appreciate it if you chose something other than flowers.

    Some patients are also allergic to perfume or perfumed creams. We ask that you take this into consideration.

    Many patients and relatives wish to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. Of course, you are welcome to do so, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few helpful tips for using social media if you are a patient or relative:

    • Be considerate of others. You must have consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. Once the child has turned 12, the child’s views must be given considerable weight. Once the child has turned 15, they decide for themselves whether they are comfortable being photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not comply, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recordings
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you participate for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires consent from the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you do not participate is illegal.

    Have you worked in healthcare or received healthcare outside the Nordic countries during the past year?

    This may include, for example, a hospital admission, extensive outpatient treatment or a visit to the dentist. In that case, your GP must test you for bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics (such as MRSA).

    Ask your GP to send you the test result before your appointment with us and bring it with you when you come to the hospital.

    For a day visit or hospital admission, please bring the following items:

    • Bring indoor shoes, a change of clothes and toiletries
    • Bring your regular medication. It may take time to obtain the equivalent medication from the pharmacy.
    • Bring a list/overview of your regular medications
    • Medical equipment for everyday use

    Sometimes we need a place to rest and reflect. We have three such rooms available for you and your relatives. The rooms are open to everyone, regardless of faith or beliefs.

    In Arendal, you will find the hospital’s quiet room/chapel in the basement of the main building. In Kristiansand, the room is on the ground floor of the main building, north entrance. Both rooms are open 24 hours a day. In Flekkefjord, the chapel is by the parking lot, to the left of the main entrance.

    A memorial service can also be held in the chapel following a death. Please contact the hospital chaplains to arrange this.

    Eg Church in Kristiansand is open every weekday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those seeking a place for quiet and reflection. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

    Kiosk
    The kiosk is located in the lobby on the 1st floor.

    It sells items such as newspapers, weekly magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, cards, flowers, some toiletries and various gifts.

    You can also buy buns, chicken wraps, rolls, salads, calzones, panini and hot dogs.

    Opening hours:
    Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
    Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Anyone wishing to park on hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, you can pay for parking using EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. Check the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking using the EasyPark app, at the parking meter where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment online

    Overview of parking spaces at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers as vehicles enter and leave the parking garage through the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you have not created a profile onAutopay.io​, you can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter your vehicle registration number. You can pay by card.

    Pay automatically

    Register as a customer with your registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once you have registered, you will pay automatically every time you park in the car park.

    During certain periods, for example when there is a lot of snow, it may be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend that you allow plenty of time.​

    For electric vehicles:

    Electric vehicles are charged from the first hour.

    Need to charge your car? Not all our hospital locations have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You should therefore not rely on being able to charge your car while you are here as a patient or visitor. You can see all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map - Norwegian EV Association​

    Blood donors can park for free at the hospital.
    Contact the blood bank for more information.


    Guardians of children (under 18) who have been in hospital for more than 14 daysare entitled to free parking for the remainder of the child's stay. This also applies if the child's stay began at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit entitles you to free parking in designated spaces
    Contact the Service Desk to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise indicated on the sign.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    Free parking is available for expectant mothers outside the Women's Department at Kristiansand Hospital. The maximum parking time is 2 hours.

    Care allowance is intended to replace lost income when you care for a child who needs continuous supervision and care due to illness or injury. Read more about, among other things,care allowance, attendance and basic benefitsandbenefits from the National Insurance Schemeat NAV.

    The Breathing Space is a safe place for children and young people whose seriously ill parents/siblings are in hospital, or who are themselves admitted to Arendal Hospital. The departments have keys to the room and can provide more information about the service. The room is on the basement level in wing C and has, among other things, a TV, computer and games.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping Sørlandet Hospital maintain a smoke-free environment.

    The Service Desk in Arendal is right by the main entrance. You can contact them with questions about your appointment at the hospital.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:00–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 09:00–20:00.

    Need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in different life situations. They meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. The hospital chaplains are available around the clock, every day of the week, to patients, relatives and staff.

    Would you like to get in touch? You can ask hospital staff for help or call the switchboard on 38 07 30 00.

    The hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and belief communities.

    If you need an interpreter, please notify the hospital well in advance of your appointment. The healthcare service covers the cost of the interpreter.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital's free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest in your network list and follow the instructions to log in.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area where it has not yet been installed.

    If your child has been exposed to chickenpox or has chickenpox, please contact us. The scheduled appointment/admission will then need to be postponed. This also applies if you are visiting the children's and youth department. Chickenpox can be dangerous for some of our patients.

  • Contact the Children's and Youth Department (BUA), Kristiansand
    Hvitt murbygg med brune vinduskarmer med parkeringsplasser på utsiden. Foto

    Egsveien 100, Building 5

    Egsveien 100, Building 5

    Egsveien 100, 4615 Kristiansand

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses when travelling to and from your place of treatment.

    As a general rule, you should use public transport, and you must pay a co-payment. To be reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient Travel.

    Practical information

    At the hospital pharmacy in Kristiansand, you can fill prescriptions and buy pharmacy products.

    You will find us on the 1st floor of the main building, right by the entrance.
    Open every weekday from 08:30 to 16:30.

    Kristiansand Hospital Pharmacy

    Doesn’t the appointment suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally via helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are visiting if you need a new appointment time. You must be a registered user of helsenorge to access this service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard at: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill, and they need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient yourself, a relative, or a parent of sick children who have siblings. We at the hospital will help ensure that the children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as next of kin


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    14:00–15:00 and 18:00–19:00
    Maternity ward: 17:00–19:00 (quiet time/no visits: 14:00–16:00)

    Kristiansand:
    17:00–19:00 on weekdays
    14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Maternity ward: 16:00–18:00 every day for the newborn’s healthy siblings.

    Most inpatient wards in Kristiansand have a small collection of books that patients and relatives can borrow. Contact your department for more information and assistance.

    Many people wish to bring flowers when visiting a patient in hospital, but due to allergies and the risk of infection, several of our departments are flower-free. If you would like to bring the patient a gift, we would appreciate it if you chose something other than flowers.

    Some patients also have allergic reactions to perfume or perfumed creams. We ask you to be considerate of this.

    Many patients and relatives would like to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. This is of course permitted, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few useful tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must obtain consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents should consider what is best for the child. When the child turns 12, their views must be given considerable weight. When the child turns 15, they decide for themselves whether they are comfortable being photographed and whether the photo may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without your permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not listen, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recording
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you participate for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you do not participate is illegal.

    Our hairdresser is located on the third floor of the hospital’s main building and is open to everyone. If needed, the hairdresser can come to the department. The hairdresser also fits wigs. Opening hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 16:00.
    Book an appointment: 94 81 59 01 

    See alsowww.harspesialisten.nofor booking an appointment.

    Have you worked in healthcare or received healthcare outside the Nordic countries during the past year?

    This may include a hospital stay, extensive outpatient treatment or a visit to the dentist. In that case, your GP must test you for bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics (for example, MRSA).

    Ask your GP to send you the test results before your appointment with us, and bring them with you when you come to the hospital.

    For a day stay or admission, please bring the following to the hospital:

    • Bring indoor shoes, a change of clothes and toiletries.
    • Bring your regular medication. It may take time to obtain equivalent medication from the pharmacy.
    • Bring a medication list/overview of your regular medications
    • Medical equipment for daily use

    ​Sometimes we need a room for rest and reflection. We have three such rooms available for you and your relatives. The rooms are open to everyone, regardless of their beliefs or faith.

    In Arendal, you will find the hospital’s quiet room/chapel on the basement floor of the main building. In Kristiansand, the room is on the ground floor of the main building, north entrance. Both rooms are open 24 hours a day. In Flekkefjord, the chapel is by the car park, to the left of the main entrance.

    It is also possible to hold a memorial service in the chapel in the event of a death. To arrange this, contact the hospital chaplains.

    Eg Church in Kristiansand is open every weekday from 08:00 to 18:00 for anyone who would like a quiet place for reflection. Open from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekends.

    ​Kiosk
    You will find the kiosk on the ground floor, in the lobby of the main building at Eg.

    Opening hours:
    Monday–Friday: 08:00–20:00
    Saturday and Sunday: 09:30–20:00

    The kiosk sells, among other things, newspapers, magazines, fruit, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, soft drinks, flowers, cards and various gift items.

    Cafeteria
    The “Kilden” cafeteria is located next to the kiosk and has the same opening hours.

    The cafeteria serves, among other things, rolls, baguettes, salad, cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs.

    ​If you have a serious illness that requires treatment or follow-up over a certain period, you may be entitled to be assigned a contact doctor in the specialist health service.

    The contact doctor scheme in the specialist health service is intended to ensure that your follow-up as a patient is better, safer and more efficient. Having a contact doctor is a right for you as a patient and an obligation for the specialist health service.

    The contact doctor’s responsibilities

    The contact doctor has a particular responsibility for following up with you during treatment or follow-up in the specialist health service. The contact doctor’s responsibilities are to:

    • be your regular medical contact throughout your course of care
    • be involved in your treatment or follow-up
    • keep informed about the status of your treatment
    • help ensure that your course of care proceeds as planned
    • contact relevant staff/treatment unit if there are challenges with your course of care
    • inform you and your relatives
    • be available to you and healthcare professionals for medical questions
    • A contact doctor does not replace your GP

    Guide to contact doctors in the specialist health service

     

    We encourage everyone to use their mobile phones considerately and to be mindful of fellow patients. It is important to put your phone on silent at night, and on silent or vibrate during the day. Out of consideration for other patients, it is a good idea to leave the room if you need to have a long conversation.

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 20:00. Everyone wishing to park on hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, it is possible to pay for parking with EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. Check the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking via the EasyPark app, at the payment machine where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment on the website

    Overview of parking spaces at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers when entering and leaving the car park through the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you have not created a profile onAutopay.io​, you can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter your vehicle’s registration number. You can pay by card.

    Pay automatically

    Register as a customer using your registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once registered, you will pay automatically every time you park in the car park.

    During certain periods, for example when there is a lot of snow, it can be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend allowing plenty of time.

    For electric cars:

    Electric cars are subject to a fee from the first hour.

    Need to charge your car? Not all our hospital sites have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You therefore cannot rely on being able to charge your car while you are inside as a patient or visitor. You can see all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map – Norwegian EV Association​

    Blood donors can park for free at the hospital.
    For more information, contact the blood bank.


    Parents/guardians of children (under 18) with a hospital stay of more than 14 daysreceive free parking for the remainder of the child’s stay. This also applies if the child’s stay begins at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit entitles you to free parking in designated spaces
    Contact the Service Centre to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise indicated on the sign.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    Free parking is available for expectant mothers outside the Women’s Department at the hospital in Kristiansand. The maximum parking time is 2 hours.

    Care benefits compensate for lost income when you care for a child who needs continuous supervision and care due to illness or injury. Read more about, among other things,care benefits, attendance and basic benefitsandbenefits under the National Insurance Schemeat NAV.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping to keep Sørlandet Hospital a smoke-free environment.

    The customer service desk in Kristiansand is located right by the main entrance. You can contact us here with questions about your appointment at the hospital.

    Opening hours:
    Weekdays: 07:30–21:00.
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 08:00–21:00.

    Do you need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in different life situations. They meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. Hospital chaplains are available around the clock, every day of the week, for patients, relatives and staff.

    Would you like to get in touch? You can ask hospital staff for help or call the switchboard on 38 07 30 00.

    Hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and belief communities.

    If you need an interpreter, please inform the hospital well in advance of your appointment. The cost of the interpreter is covered by the health service.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest in your network list and follow the instructions to log in.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area that has not yet been covered.

    If your child has been exposed to chickenpox or has chickenpox, please contact us. Your scheduled appointment/admission will need to be postponed. This also applies if you are planning to visit the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Chickenpox can be dangerous for some of our patients.

TEST VERSION
Machine-translated copy of sshf.no for testing only. Not official information.