Urological examinations —
The pad test
(pad weight test)
The pad test, also known as the pad weight test, is an essential part of the investigation of urinary incontinence in women. This test provides an accurate quantification of urine leakage.
The main aim of the test is to determine the presence and severity of incontinence and to assess the success of therapeutic approaches. This is particularly important in order to develop customized treatment strategies and monitor their effectiveness.
The pad test measures urine leakage by using special pads that are weighed before and after a certain test period. These pads are worn during the test under standardized conditions. The difference in the weight of the pads before and after the test period provides information about the amount of urine leakage. There are different variants of the test, including the 1-hour and the 24-hour pad test. The 1-hour test is standardized and includes specific physical exercises, while the 24-hour test better reflects the patient’s everyday life, but is more difficult to standardize.
The pad test begins with weighing the dry pad to determine the initial weight. The patient then wears the pad for a set period of time while performing recorded physical activities that typically mimic stresses that can trigger incontinence, such as coughing, jumping or climbing stairs. At the end of the test phase, the pad is weighed again. The increase in weight of the pad corresponds to the amount of urine leaked during the test phase.
A standardized exercise program is used for the 1-hour pad test, while the 24-hour test has a higher reproducibility, but is more complex due to the longer duration and the variability of daily activities. Both tests are helpful in quantifying urine leakage and assessing the success of treatment measures.
Summary
The pad test is a precise and reproducible method for diagnosing and quantifying urinary incontinence. By measuring urine leakage under standardized conditions, the test provides valuable information about the severity of incontinence and the effectiveness of therapeutic measures. Both the 1-hour and the 24-hour pad tests have specific advantages and can be used depending on the needs and objectives of the test. These tests make a significant contribution to improving diagnosis and treatment planning, which ultimately leads to a better quality of life for the patients concerned.