Objectives: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the Bard BTA test compared with bladder washing cytology in patients with a history of transitional cell bladder cancer undergoing routine follow-up cystoscopy.
Methods: During routine follow-up for transitional cell bladder cancer, 75 patients underwent cystoscopy, bladder washing cytology, and the Bard BTA test, a latex agglutination test that qualitatively detects basement membrane complexes in voided urine. From October 1994 to October 1995, a total of 104 Bard BTA test examinations were performed. The results of the Bard BTA test were compared with those attained with cystoscopy and bladder washing cytology.
Results: Cystoscopy found tumors in 13 cases. The Bard BTA test was diagnostic in 7 (54%) cases; it was more sensitive than bladder washing cytology, which was positive in only 3 (23%) cases. However, the specificity of the Bard BTA was lower (9% clinically unconfirmed positive tests) than that attained with cytology. In 2 patients (2%) in whom the cystoscopy was negative, the Bard BTA test was predictive for a positive cystoscopy 3 and 5 months later.
Conclusions: The Bard BTA test is a noninvasive test that may be an important addition to cystoscopy and cytology in the routine surveillance of patients with a history of transitional cell cancer of the bladder.