While the diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB) is made clinically,simple office testing (e.g., urinalysis and culture, assessmentof post-void residual urine) should be part of the work-up of allpatients with these symptoms. There are certain situations in whichtesting should be undertaken before initiating treatment or for monitoringresponse. Supplemental testing should be considered incases where routine evaluation raises the suspicion of a problemor condition that either needs further evaluation or may predisposethe patient to failure of therapy. Further testing may also be consideredfor patients who are refractory to treatment and those withsignificant neurological disease. Depending on the particular case,supplemental testing may include comprehensive urodynamic testing,endoscopic evaluation of the lower urinary tract, imaging ofthe upper urinary tract, neurologic evaluation or spine imaging.
Assessment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms where an undiagnosed neurological disease is suspected: A report from an International Continence Society consensus working group