title: Validation of a new menstrual pictogram (superabsorbent polymer-c version) for use with ultraslim towels that contain superabsorbent polymers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To validate the menstrual pictogram (superabsorbent polymer-c version) for Always Ultra-slim feminine towels containing superabsorbent polymers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, multicenter, evaluator-blinded study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three gynecology research clinics in the United Kingdom.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women with self-perceived light, normal, or heavy menstrual periods who had not previously used a graphical method to assess their menstrual loss.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred twenty-two women were asked to complete the menstrual pictogram throughout two menstrual periods and collect their feminine towels for measurements of menstrual blood loss (MBL) by the alkaline hematin method and total menstrual fluid loss (MFL) by fluid weight.
  
  
  METHODS
  Agreement of menstrual pictogram MBL and MFL scores with alkaline hematin and towel weight, respectively. The percentage blood fraction was determined at various volumes of menstrual discharge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Alkaline hematin and fluid weight were highly correlated (r = .97). However, the percentage blood fraction progressively increased with total MFL and MBL score. After correction for this incremental rise in blood fraction, the menstrual pictogram gave a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 92% for a diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The menstrual pictogram (superabsorbent polymer-c version) provides a simple means of measuring MBL in the clinical setting.
authors: Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Hartshill, United Kingdom. Electronic address: j.l.magnay@keele.ac.uk.
authors: Julia L
authors: JL
authors: Magnay
authors: Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Hartshill, United Kingdom.
authors: Tracy M
authors: TM
authors: Nevatte
authors: Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Hartshill, United Kingdom; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom.
authors: Shaughn
authors: S
authors: O'Brien
authors: Bayer HealthCare, Global Clinical Development, Berlin, Germany; Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Saarland Medical School, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
authors: Christoph
authors: C
authors: Gerlinger
authors: Bayer HealthCare, Global Clinical Development, Berlin, Germany.
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Seitz
mesh_terms: D041342:Absorbent Pads / Q000592:standards*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001296:Audiovisual Aids / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D052576:Menstrual Hygiene Products / Q000592:standards*; D008598:Menstruation / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000592:standards*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers
keywords: Heavy menstrual bleeding; menstrual blood loss; menstrual pictogram; pictorial blood loss assessment chart; superabsorbent polymers