What is a bladder assessment day (BAD)?

A bladder assessment day (BAD) gives us the chance to look at the way your bladder works and helps us decide on a treatment plan for you.

You might have seen a specialist doctor or nurse before who asked for you to have this assessment.

You need to allow most of the day, four to six hours for the assessment, depending on how frequently you need a wee.

Where will the BAD take place?

We hold special clinics in the children assessment units at the Kent and Canterbury hospital and Buckland hospital.

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.

You will be able to wait in the waiting/playroom during the assessment.

We will be able to provide water but please bring extra water or drinks and lunch, for you and your grown-up.

What happens at a BAD?

So we can see how your bladder works, we will ask you to drink lots during the day. We need to record how much you are drinking.

When you feel like you need to go to the toilet you will be asked to use a special toilet called a uroflow. Only use the toilet when you really need to go.

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 private clinic room. You can use this on your own or with your grown-up present. The nurse will wait outside or in another room.

As well as measuring your wee, we will look at the colour and test it.

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.

Please feel free to ask questions at any time during 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, small toys or something to do whilst waiting.
• Lunch and snacks.
• Water will be provided but if you prefer a flavoured drink like squash you can bring your own if you like - we need to measure all drinks on the day.
• Your bladder diary, if you have one.
• Stool diary/poo charts.
• A list of any medications you are on.
• Wear comfortable clothes on the day. Trousers/leggings or skirts that can be pushed down easily when scanned are advisable.

When will I find out the results?

At the end of the day the nurse will talk to you about the results, treatment 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.

Information for adults about getting to the appointment

There are pay and display parking on both sites, please be aware that you may need to allow four to six hours.

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.