The use of pad tests in the investigation of female urinary incontinence

Abstract

Summary Measurement of urine loss is important in the assessment of female urinary incontinence and the pad test is the simplest method available. Though popular, its efficacy has not been previously documented. Using uroflow-metry and videocystourethrography with pressure and flow measurements as a primary standard, the urodynamic and pad test results in 311 female patients have been examined in two ways. Firstly, with the pad as a screening test and secondly, as an adjunctive test to uroflow-metry and cystometry. The simple pad test is unsatisfactory as a screening test, as it has a false negative rate of 32 per cent. As an adjunctive test for the diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence, a positive predictive value of 89 per cent is promising.