The purpose of a Frequency Volume (FV) chart is to obtain objective information about a patient's urinary symptoms that would be difficult to elicit from the history alone
- systematic registration of voiding habits by patients in their own environment for a specified period of time
- are useful in quantifying symptoms at baseline as part of the diagnostic work up of a patient with LUTS and prior to lifestyle, medical or surgical intervention
Role of FV charts in the assessment and diagnosis of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
- urinary bladder has two functions: to store and to empty urine
- FV charts are an inexpensive and easy-to-use method of assessing bladder function
No standard FV chart exists
- they vary from the simple charts measuring the total number of voids in a day, to urinary diaries which record fluid intake, frequency, volume, urge episodes, pad usage, and patient activities in relation to their LUTS (1)
- FV charts also vary in the time period over which the patient is required to fill in the chart; initial charts were commonly over a 7-day period though 24 or 48 h is usual nowadays
- a 1-3 day chart is commonly used in clinical practice and evidence has shown this is as useful as those charts kept for longer periods (2)
Reference:
- Siltberg H et al. Frequency/volume chart: the basic tool for investigating urinary symptoms Acta Obstetrica Gynecologia Scandinava 1997;166 (Suppl. 76) :24-27
- Gisolf KWH et al Analysis and reliability of data from 24-hour frequency volume charts in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia European Urology 2000; 38:45-52.