Diagnostic approach	Comments
Patient history (coughing, sneezing, lifting, walking, running as initiators of incontinence)	Most useful for diagnosing stress incontinence
Comprehensive history, physical examination, urodynamic studies	Most useful for diagnosing stress incontinence
Filled-bladder stress test (cough, Valsalva maneuver with bladder filled with saline)	Most useful for diagnosing stress incontinence
Empty-bladder stress test (cough, Valsalva maneuver with empty bladder)	Somewhat useful for diagnosing stress incontinence
Cotton swab test	Not useful for diagnosing stress incontinence
Leakage in conjunction with voiding urge	Useful for diagnosing urge incontinence
Pad test (weighing continence pads)	Useful for confirming incontinence
Postvoid residual urine volume	Identifies inadequate emptying, but unproved usefulness in distinguishing types of urinary incontinence