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The cotton swab test. Receiver-operating characteristic curves
D M Fedorkow1, P K Sand, S S Retzky
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|January 1, 1995
Summary
The cotton swab test can help identify stress incontinence in women. A straining angle of 40 degrees shows promise for diagnosis, but further evaluation is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Urogynecology
- Diagnostic Test Evaluation
Background:
- Urinary incontinence is a common condition affecting women.
- Accurate diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the cotton swab test in predicting genuine stress urinary incontinence using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 263 women with urinary incontinence.
- Cotton swab test performed during urogynecologic assessment, measuring angle changes.
- ROC curve analysis to determine discriminatory power of different angles.
Main Results:
- The straining angle demonstrated the best discriminatory power for genuine stress urinary incontinence.
- An optimal cut-off of 40 degrees showed 83% sensitivity.
- The test alone is insufficient for definitive diagnosis but aids in counseling and triage.
Conclusions:
- The cotton swab test, particularly the straining angle, shows potential in assessing stress urinary incontinence.
- While not a standalone diagnostic tool, it assists in patient counseling and triage for lower urinary tract complaints.