A systematic review included 40 studies. The gold standard was urodynamic examination, expert (urologist or urogynecologist) assessment, or both. Simple questions were helpful in diagnosing urge incontinence (summary positive LR 4.2, 95% CI 2.3 to 7.6, summary negative LR 0.48, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.62), and modestly helpful in diagnosing stress urinary incontinence (summary positive LR 2.2, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.2), summary negative LR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.61). A positive bladder stress test may help diagnose stress urinary incontinence (summary positive LR 3.1, 95% CI 1.7 to 5.5), but a negative test is less useful (summary negative LR 0.36, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.60).
Comment: The gold standard for diagnosing the type of urinary incontinence is not robust. The review did not address the coexistence of both types of incontinence.