ABSTRACT

Investigation of evidence–based tests which were used to evaluate and diagnose process of urinary incontinence In this review we aimed to investigate the evidence-based clinical tests which were used to evaluate and diagnose the urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence can be diagnosed in two ways. Two types of diagnosis can be made: symptomatic diagnosis and condition specific diagnosis. In general, symptomatic diagnoses are made in primary care using clinical history-taking, urinary diaries, pad tests and validated symptom scales. Condition-specific diagnoses are made by using urodynamic techniques.

• A large proportion of women with urinary stress incontinence can be correctly diagnosed in primary care from clinical history alone.
• On the basis of diagnosis the diary appears to be the most cost-effective of the three primary care tests (diary, pad test and validated scales) used in addition to clinical history.
• Ultrasound imaging may offer a valuable information about urinary incontinence
• The clinical stress test is effective in the diagnosis of urinary stress incontinence. Adaptation of such a test so that it could be performed in primary care with a naturally filled bladder may prove clinically useful.
• If a patient is to undergo an invasive urodynamic procedure, multichannel urodynamics is likely to give the most accurate result in a secondary care setting.