Investigation of evidence–based tests which were used to evaluate and diagnose process of urinary incontinence

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