Children’s bladder assessment day (BAD)
Published: 22/02/2021
Last edited: 08/12/2022
Leaflet code: 00419
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What is a bladder assessment day (BAD)?
A bladder assessment day (BAD) gives us the chance to look at the way your bladder works.
You might have seen a specialist doctor or nurse before who asked for you to have this assessment.
Where will the BAD take place?
It will happen on a children’s ward at a local hospital. You will be admitted to the ward for the day only.
We normally invite four children to the clinic on the same day. As you arrive we will book you in and take some notes. This may mean there is a short wait.
Please be aware that the ward may be busy and normally we do not offer a bed space, but the assessment will continue, and you will be able to use the assessment centre facilities available on the day.
We will be able to provide water but please bring extra water or drinks and lunch, for you and your child.
What happens at a BAD?
So we can see how your bladder works, we will ask you to drink lots during the day. When you feel like you need to go to the toilet you will be asked to use a special toilet called a uroflow.
The uroflow measures the stream of wee and the amount of wee you produce. This information is important for the nurse to see how your bladder works. You will need to use the uroflow at least three times during the day.
The uroflo is in a bathroom or clinic room. You can use this on your own or with your parent present. The nurse will wait outside the room unless you or your parent asks them to stay.
As well as measuring your wee, we will look at the colour and test it, to see if there are any problems.
We will also scan your bladder to make sure it has completely emptied. If your bladder has not fully emptied, we will ask you to try and go to the toilet again to empty your bladder.
If your bladder hasn't emptied and wee is left behind, we will talk about this on the day.
What does the scan involve?
To make sure the scan works well, you will be asked to lay down on the bed in the clinic room.
We will put some special jelly on the scanner and place it on your skin, below your belly button. The scanner will measure the amount of wee in your bladder. It won’t hurt but we might have to press against your skin a little bit. It will only take a few moments.
What will I need to bring with me?
- Your favourite books, games or small toys.
- Food. Drinks will be provided but you can bring your own if you like - we need to measure all drinks on the day.
- Your bladder diary, if you have one.
- Your measurement chart, if you have been asked to complete one.
- Wear comfortable clothes on the day. You don’t need to bring pyjamas.
Please ask if you have any questions.
Sometimes the ward can get full (emergency admissions) at short notice and we might have to cancel the BAD but we will re-book as soon as we can.
When will I find out the results?
At the end of the day the nurse will talk to you about the results, further management and give you advice about how you can improve your bladder control. If a doctor asked you to come for the assessment, the results will be sent to them to review. You will be offered an appointment to discuss the results.
Getting to your appointment
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible.
If you cannot bring your child to their appointment, please contact us within two working days to re-book. If you do not contact us, your child will be discharged and will need to be re-referred.
If you need to cancel your appointment please contact us to re-book, giving at least 48 hours’ notice. If you cancel two appointments, we will discharge your child and they will need to be referred.
Contact us
0300 013 2077 option 1
kcht.childrensbladderandbowel@nhs.net
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Do you have feedback about our health services?
0800 030 4550
8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Text: 07899 903499
kentchft.PALS@nhs.net
kentcht.nhs.uk/PALS
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Trinity House, 110-120 Upper Pemberton
Ashford
Kent
TN25 4AZ
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