The aim of this study was to identify factors in patients with symptoms of urgency/frequency or urge incontinence that predict that the postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) will be elevated. A restrospective chart review was carried out of all patients new to our urogynecology practice between June 1998 and May 1999, with symptoms of urgency, frequency and/or urge incontinence. Demographic variables, symptoms and physical findings were correlated with the presence of an elevated PVR (>100 ml) using logistic regression analysis. An elevated PVR was found in 10% (33/336) of patients with urge incontinence (UI). and in 5% (3/57) of patients with urgency/frequency without UI. In patients with UI the presence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) > or = stage II, symptoms of voiding difficulty and the absence of the symptom of stress incontinence, predicted 82% of patients with an elevated PVR.