Diagnostic accuracy of visual urethral mobility exam versus Q-Tip test: a randomized crossover trial

The objective of the study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of a visual urethral mobility examination (VUME) with a Q-Tip test in the assessment of urethral hypermobility.

Subjects were randomized to a VUME or Q-Tip test first, followed by the alternate assessment. Outcomes included hypermobile, not hypermobile, or indeterminate. Hypermobility was defined as 30° or greater from the horizontal. Pain perception and test preference were assessed.

For the 54 subjects, 61.1% demonstrated hypermobility on VUME vs 72.2% on the Q-Tip test (P = .39). Assessment of hypermobility was correlated between the 2 tools (ρ = 0.47, P = .001). Positive and negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity for VUME were 88%, 56%, 78%, and 71%, respectively, with a Q-Tip test as the reference standard. Mean pain score on visual analog scale was 0.72 for VUME and 3.15 for Q-tip test (P < .001). VUME was preferred by 83% of subjects.

VUME is a diagnostic alternative to the Q-Tip test for the assessment of urethral hypermobility and is preferred by subjects.