Pyridium Test

PYRIDIUM TEST FOR ABNORMAL BLADDER VAGINA CONNECTIONS (FISTULA)

PURPOSE:

To determine if the dampness in your underwear is urine. Usually, when urine is lost involuntarily (wetting pants), you are aware of the circumstances that caused the leakage: cough, sneeze, sudden movement, strong urge to urinate, etc. Occasionally, you will find your underwear damp or wet without awareness as to when it is happening. This dampness may be urine or may be vaginal secretions or "sweat".

Prior to proceeding with an extensive urologic workup, it is important to be sure the dampness is urine. If it is not urine, a urologic workup is not necessary.

PYRIDIUM is a medication that will turn the urine orange. If the dampness is orange, it is urine. If the urine is orange and the dampness in your underwear (on the pad) is not orange, then it is not urine. After you take the PYRIDIUM, your urine will usually be orange the next time you pass your urine.

NOTE: PYRIDIUM will stain your clothes so make sure you WEAR A PAD when you are taking PYRIDIUM.

NOTE: Save the pads and tampons and place them in a sealed plastic bag marked with the date and time and bring to your next appointment.

Plan to do this test over two or three days.

Take the PYRIDIUM tablet morning, midday, and bedtime.

Wear a pad and change your pad at least three times per day. Wear a clean pad overnight.

TAMPON/PAD TEST

You may be asked to wear a tampon while taking the PYRIDIUM. This will help determine if there is an abnormal connection between your bladder and vagina.

STEP 1: Put in a tampon, put pad in underwear and take a PYRIDIUM (with each urination, check pad and tampon for evidence of orange).

STEP 2: PRIOR to urination, check pad and remove tampon. Check the string end and the "inside" end of the tampon for orange.

STEP 3: Insert new tampon before urination.

STEP 4: Urinate.

STEP 5: Remove tampon again and check for orange on both ends.

STEP 6: Put in a new tampon and repeat test for at least three urinations. Save tampons and pads in plastic bags. IF PAD WAS ORANGE, change it. If not orange, you can use for more than one urination, changing at least two times during the day.