Urology diagnostic clinic

Most patients referred to the urology service are offered an initial appointment in one of our urology diagnostic clinics. At this appointment you will be assessed by a doctor and will also have some of the tests you need on the same day. Most patients will receive a diagnosis and initial treatment plan at the end of their visit.

What do I need to do before the clinic?

You may need to attend the hospital before the appointment date to have a blood or urine test. We will contact you by telephone or letter if this is the case. It is important that you have these tests before your appointment as the results will help the doctors to decide on a treatment plan. On the day of your appointment you may need to go for a scan in the ultrasound department. If this is the case, we will contact you with instructions.

What happens on the day?

Please check in at the reception desk. Some patients will then have a consultation with a doctor, other patients will have tests first and then see the doctor. Your appointment letter will explain that you need to attend with a full bladder, if this is difficult, please feel free to arrive early - water is available so that you can fill up your bladder while waiting.

Once you have had your tests and seen the doctor you will be able to go home. Most patients will leave with either reassurance or an initial treatment plan. We will write to your GP with details of the results and treatment plan and will send you a copy of the report if you wish.

Do I need to bring anything?

Please bring details of any regular medication or allergies. If you have had previous treatment at other hospitals, please bring copies of letters and reports if you have them.

How long will my appointment take?

You may need to spend most of the morning or afternoon at the clinic (up to four hours) so please allow for this when making arrangements.

Which tests are carried out in the clinic?

Flow rate: this measures the speed of your urinary flow. You will need to have a full bladder and pass water into a machine rather than the toilet.
International prostate symptom score: this is a questionnaire about urinary symptoms.
Ultrasound: you may have an ultrasound in the ultrasound department before your appointment. You will be informed if this the case.
Blood tests: we may ask you to have blood tests after your consultation. Results will be sent to you afterwards with the clinic report.
Urine tests: you may be asked for a urine specimen so that we can test it in the clinic for infection or blood.

What will happen after the clinic?

Most patients will leave with an initial diagnosis and treatment plan. Some patients will be booked for surgery. If you are booked for surgery, we will ask you to attend the pre-operative assessment clinic where you may be asked to have some further tests to make sure you are medically fit for an operation. Some patients will have a follow-up appointment arranged in one of our specialist clinics.