Reproducibility and reliability of urinary incontinence assessment with a 60 min test

Urinary incontinence was objectively assessed in 50 patients. The urine loss was measured as weight gain of perineal pads worn during a 60 min standardized activity period. The test was initiated by drinking 500 ml (not milk and soda water). The patients were instructed not to void before and during the test. After the test, the voided volume was collected. The test proved handy, reproducible and reliable compared to the subjective day-time incontinence. Prior to the actual test, 15 patients participated in a pilot study having an initial voiding and a test period of 3 1/2 hours. This longer test period was not found practical and the gain in positive diagnosis was minimal compared to the disadvantages with a higher number of unscheduled voidings.