The evaluation of urinary retention begins with a history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam in females.

Physical findings in someone with urinary retention may include:

• Abdominal swelling
• Abdominal tenderness
• Enlarged prostate

Tests that may be used to evaluate urinary retention include:

• Complete blood count
• Kidney function tests
• Urinalysis
• Urine culture
• Urine cytology
• Urine stress test
• Bladder metrics:
• Measures the amount of urine in the bladder after voiding
• Measures the urine flow rate
• Measures bladder capacity
• Bladder manometry
• Cystoscopy
• Cystogram
• Intravenous pyelogram
• CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
• Abdominal ultrasound

Additional tests that may be used to evaluate urinary retention in men include:

• Prostate ultrasound
• Prostate biopsy