Bladder scanning is a non-invasive method of estimating bladder volume using ultrasound technology. It supports clinical decisions in suspected urinary retention, post-void residual (PVR) checks, post-operative monitoring, voiding trials, and continence pathways. Because workflows and patient needs vary across care settings, bladder scanners are available in several form factors.
Understanding the types of bladder scanners—especially the practical differences between a handheld bladder scanner, a portable bladder scanner, and wireless/connected setups—helps clinical teams and procurement leads select equipment that is safe, efficient, and fit for purpose.
Oras Medical supports these pathways by focusing on bladder scanning education and device selection for clinical environments.
Key Takeaways
Most bladder scanners perform the same core task—estimating bladder volume—but design differences change workflow, portability, and ease of use.
A handheld bladder scanner prioritises mobility and rapid point-of-care scanning across multiple rooms.
A portable bladder scanner often refers to a cart-based/shared system designed for repeat scanning workflows and accessories.
Wireless/connected systems can streamline documentation and training workflows when properly supported by local IT and governance.
Accuracy is influenced heavily by technique, patient factors, and timing—training and repeatability matter as much as the scanner type.
The best choice depends on where scanning happens, who scans, how results are recorded, and how cleaning/charging is managed.
What all bladder scanners have in common
Regardless of form factor, bladder scanners use ultrasound to estimate bladder volume. Most modern devices provide an automated volume estimate after the operator positions the probe just above the pubic symphysis and aims toward the bladder. Many devices include a targeting guide or image preview to support consistent placement.It’s important to treat a bladder scan as an estimate, not an absolute measurement. Results should be interpreted alongside symptoms and clinical assessment, and according to local policy—particularly when readings are unexpected or when the decision carries meaningful risk (for example, catheterisation decisions or escalation for suspected retention).
How to think about “types of bladder scanners”
In practice, “type” often refers to:1) How the device is carried and used at the bedside (handheld vs cart-based/portable).2) How results are viewed and recorded (standalone display vs connected/wireless workflows).3) How the device is shared and maintained (single-user portability vs shared ward equipment).These categories can overlap. Many handheld devices also support wireless transfer, and some cart-based systems have connectivity features. The best choice is usually the one that best fits the real-world workflow of your ward, clinic, or care setting.
1) Handheld bladder scanners
What is a handheld bladder scanner?
A handheld bladder scanner is a compact device designed to be carried between rooms and used at the bedside. The display may be built into the device or connected (depending on the design). Handheld devices are commonly used where scanning occurs across multiple rooms or where clinicians need a fast, point-of-care tool.
Clinical advantages
High mobility: Easy to bring to the patient—useful for patients with limited mobility or when moving the patient is undesirable.
Fast bedside workflow: Supports quick checks for suspected retention or PVR measurement in time-sensitive pathways.
Small footprint: Practical in crowded bays, small exam rooms, and care home settings.
Flexible deployment: Often helpful in community services, mixed wards, and facilities where scanning is not centralised.
Limitations and planning considerations
Battery management: Handheld devices depend on reliable charging routines. A missed charge can disrupt availability.
Accessory workflow: If printing is required, confirm how printing is supported (if at all).
Operator variation: Handheld use can be more variable if many staff scan without consistent training and supervision.
Documentation method: Ensure there is a clear plan for recording results (manual documentation vs export/transfer).
Best-fit settings
Handheld scanners tend to perform well in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, wards where scanning happens across multiple bays/rooms, community and home healthcare pathways, and emergency or perioperative settings where portability matters.
2) Portable bladder scanners
What is a portable bladder scanner?
The phrase portable bladder scanner is sometimes used broadly. In many clinical settings, it refers to a larger unit that can be moved on a stand or cart and shared between beds or departments. These systems may offer a larger screen, stable positioning, and easier accessory support (for example docking, storage, or structured cleaning routines).
Clinical advantages
Shared ward workflow: Well-suited to areas where scanning volume is high and a shared device is practical.
Large interface: A bigger screen can support training, supervision, and consistent targeting.
Stable positioning: A cart can reduce hand fatigue during repeated scans and support a consistent approach.
Accessory support: Often easier to manage docks, structured storage, and cleaning workflows.
Limitations and planning considerations
Space and manoeuvrability: Carts can be difficult in tight rooms, older buildings, or crowded bays.
Availability bottlenecks: A single shared device can become a bottleneck in busy periods.
Cleaning/storage discipline: Shared equipment must have a clear clean/dirty workflow and routine maintenance.
Transport between areas: Moving between floors or departments may be inconvenient if scanning is distributed.
Best-fit settings
Portable/cart-based systems are often strong choices for high-volume wards where scanning is frequent, post-operative monitoring areas, and facilities with a centralised equipment workflow (charging, storage, and cleaning in one area).
Read more: Portable vs Handheld Bladder Scanners: Which Should You Choose?
3) Wireless and connected bladder scanners
(Alt: Wireless and connected bladder scanners)
What does “wireless” mean in practice?
A wireless or connected bladder scanner generally refers to a system where the probe and/or scanner communicates with another device—commonly a tablet, workstation, or networked platform—without a cable connection during scanning. The goal is often to streamline workflow and make documentation easier, but the benefits depend on how the organisation records observations.
Potential workflow advantages
Streamlined documentation: Supports faster capture of results where electronic recording is standard.
Training visibility: Some setups make it easier for supervisors to review technique and coach staff.
Reduced bedside clutter: Fewer cables can make positioning and infection-control handling simpler.
Structured workflows: Connected systems may better support audits or consistent recording (depending on design).
Practical considerations (often overlooked)
IT and governance: Wireless transfer may require security approvals, network setup, and device management policies.
Pairing and troubleshooting: Staff need simple, reliable pairing processes—especially on busy shifts.
Battery/charging for multiple components: Wireless setups may involve charging both the scanning component and the connected device.
Downtime planning: Consider what happens if a tablet is unavailable, a network is down, or a login fails.
Accuracy: what influences results more than the scanner “type”
While design affects workflow, accuracy in routine practice depends more on technique and context than on whether a device is handheld or cart-based. Key factors include timing, patient positioning, probe placement, repeatability, and patient confounders.
Timing
For PVR measurement, scanning should be performed promptly after voiding according to local protocol. Delays can allow refilling and can inflate estimates.
Positioning
Use a consistent position when trending results. If a patient cannot lie supine, document the position used and aim for consistency across repeat scans.
Probe placement and technique
Most techniques involve placing the probe midline just above the pubic symphysis, angling appropriately. Gentle steady pressure and small adjustments typically improve targeting and reduce artefact.
Repeatability and sense-checking
If the result does not fit the clinical picture (for example severe symptoms with a low reading, or a very high reading after a reported void), repeat the scan and reassess. Escalate for senior review or formal imaging when uncertainty persists and the decision is high-stakes.
Patient confounders
Obesity, significant bowel gas, pelvic masses, pregnancy, ascites, abdominal dressings, and limited mobility can affect scanning reliability or interpretation. Interpret results in context and escalate when needed.
How to choose the right bladder scanner for your setting
A practical workflow checklist
Before selecting a device, consider:
- Where will scanning happen most often—across many rooms or in one central area?
- Who will scan—specialist staff or many team members across shifts?
- How will results be recorded—manual documentation, printouts, or electronic transfer?
- What is the cleaning process and where will cleaning occur?
- Where will charging and storage occur, and who is responsible?
- How frequently will scanning occur—occasional checks or high-volume monitoring?
- Which patient groups are common—frail older adults, post-op patients, neurological conditions, mobility limitations?
Matching scanner type to common needs
As a general guide:
- Choose a handheld bladder scanner when mobility and speed across multiple rooms is essential.
- Consider a portable bladder scanner when scanning is high-volume in one ward/department and shared equipment works well.
- Prioritise wireless/connected workflows when electronic documentation is central and IT governance can support pairing and security.
Many organisations do best with a mixed approach—for example, handheld devices for community or care-home work and a cart-based system in a high-volume ward.
Peaksonic M5 Handheld Bladder Scanner + Printer
BladderView M5 provides a new and innovative way of bladder scan. It turns the scanning into a fluid Point and Click process. Powered by advanced technology, M5 ensures an easy, quick and precise scanning experience. BladderView M5 is a 3D ultrasound bladder volume instrument used to measure bladder volume and bladder wall thickness non-invasively. The major components of the system are a probe and console which features a touch screen. Bladder volume and ultrasonic images are displayed on the touch screen. An in-built printer and medical cart are also part of the system.
Implementation best practices (regardless of type)
Choosing the right device is only half the work. Implementation quality often determines outcomes.
Standard operating procedure (SOP)
Create an SOP aligned with manufacturer instructions for use, local continence/catheter pathways, and escalation and safety protocols.
Competency-based training
Use a structured pathway: theory + supervised scans + documented sign-off, with regular refreshers.
Documentation standards
Standardise fields such as:
- Indication (why the scan was done)
- Time since last void (especially for PVR)
- Patient position
- Preset/mode used (where relevant)
- Measured volume (and whether repeated)
- Action taken (repeat scan, encourage void, escalate, catheterise, monitor)
Cleaning, storage, and charging routines
Define cleaning products and contact times per manufacturer guidance, clean/dirty workflows, and charging schedules/accountability.
Total cost of ownership considerations
When comparing devices, look beyond purchase price:
- Training time and refreshers
- Consumables (gel, cleaning products)
- Warranty and servicing turnaround time
- Accessories (docks, stands, cases, printers)
- Device availability (one shared device vs multiple units)
- IT support needs if wireless connectivity is used
Read more: How Much Does a Bladder Scanner Cost in the UK? A Buyer’s Guide
Frequently asked questions
Can any scanner type replace catheterisation for diagnosis?
Bladder scanning can reduce unnecessary catheterisation by providing a non-invasive estimate of volume, but it does not replace clinical assessment. Catheterisation may still be required for treatment, for certain monitoring pathways, or when scanning is unreliable or inconsistent with the clinical picture. Follow local protocols.
Are wireless scanners always better?
Not always. Wireless features can be excellent for documentation and training workflows, but only if pairing, charging, governance, and downtime planning are robust. A simpler device with strong training and good documentation may perform better in real-world practice than a connected device that is difficult to support.
What matters most for accuracy?
Technique, timing, and repeatability. Training, consistent patient positioning, careful probe placement, and repeating unexpected results often improve reliability more than the choice of form factor alone.
Conclusion
The main types of bladder scanners—handheld, portable, and wireless/connected—share the same clinical purpose but differ in mobility and workflow support. A handheld bladder scanner is ideal for distributed bedside scanning, a portable bladder scanner can support high-volume ward workflows with shared equipment, and wireless features can streamline documentation when properly supported. For best outcomes, match the device to real clinical workflows, standardise training and documentation, and maintain reliable cleaning and charging routines.
