Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) procedure

What is a VCUG?

A distraction device — such as this tank of water with fish that glow — is used to relax and soothe children while diverting their attention during some procedures.

A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a test that uses X-rays to take pictures of the urinary system. It shows how well the bladder and its connecting tubes (the urethra and the ureters) are working by watching images on the X-ray machine.

Before the test

There isn't much physical preparation, except that children should be told what to expect. (See the explanations below.)

During the VCUG

VCUG's use a big camera to take pictures. Children can bring their favorite stuffed animal or toy with them to the test. A technologist will come and get you and your child.

Your child will change into a gown. One parent is encouraged to accompany the child. Your child will be asked to lie down on a bed and to put their legs like a butterfly. The technologist will wash between the legs with cotton and brown soap. This might feel a little cold.

After everything is washed, the technologist will put a tiny tube called a catheter into your child's bladder through a small opening called a urethra. The urethra is the small opening in the body where urine comes out. It is important to tell your child to try to hold as still as they can. Once the tube is in the bladder, all the urine will come out the tube. When the bladder is empty, it is time for the VCUG.

Now the technologist will fill your child's bladder with contrast (special water) that will make the picture of their bladder clear. Children need to hold very still when the camera takes the picture. When the bladder is full of contrast, your child will feel like they have to go to the bathroom. At this point, the child needs to tell the technologist when they can't hold it any longer. The doctor will tell them to go ahead and urinate right on the bed. It's important to urinate then so the doctor can watch their bladder empty. There will be towels, a bed pan, or a urinal to catch the water and the catheter tube will come as soon as the picture is taken.

After the VCUG

Once the test is over, your child can go into the bathroom and clean up, then they can get dressed and go home. They can return to school as soon as they want.

Technology/Scanners used

X-ray