Intravesical ethanol test: an ineffective measure of bladder hyperpermeability
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026
In Vivo Luminal Measurement of Distension-Evoked Urothelial ATP Release in Rodents
Published on: September 7, 2022
Zachary Gordon1, C Lowell Parsons, Manoj Monga
1Division of Urology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA.
Objectives:
To evaluate the intravesical ethanol test as a quantitative measure of bladder hyperpermeability in patients with interstitial cystitis.
Methods:
Patients with a clinical diagnosis of interstitial cystitis and a positive result on the Parsons potassium test were enrolled in the study. The intravesical ethanol test was conducted after completion of the Parsons potassium test. Dose escalation (10% to 20% ethanol) was performed in an attempt to achieve detectable levels of ethanol. Breathalyzer data were recorded in 5-minute intervals for 30 minutes using a calibrated Intox Breathalyzer Model IV Alcosensor. The bladder was then drained, and volume recovered was recorded. The breathalyzer data were recorded for an additional 30 minutes after removal of the catheter at 5-minute intervals.
Results:
The 3 patients studied demonstrated significant qualitative evidence of bladder hyperpermeability, with pain and urgency scores ranging from 4 to 5 on the Parsons potassium test. No detectable levels of ethanol were identified in any of the 3 patients after the intravesical ethanol test, with up to 50 mL of 20% ethanol instilled for 30 minutes. Intravesical ethanol instillation was not associated with significant pain or irritative voiding symptoms.
Conclusions:
The intravesical ethanol test did not prove to be a useful clinical adjunct in the diagnosis and management of interstitial cystitis. The evaluation of higher concentrations of ethanol may be warranted.
