A method includes initiating a managed pressure drilling (MPD) operation in an MPD system including a rotating control device (RCD) including at least one sealing element and a plurality of pressures sensors placed relative to the at least one sealing element. The RCD is positioned in the MPD system so as to receive fluid exiting an annulus of a wellbore. Further, the method includes creating a pressure spike in the annulus of the wellbore during the MPD operation, and monitoring a pressure differential between the plurality of pressure sensors to determine whether there is a leakage within the RCD. The MPD system further includes a choke manifold connected the RCD via a primary line and a fluid source connected to a backpressure line, which is a dedicated test line that is directly and fluidly connected to the RCD.