Urinary Tract Exam for Children

This examination shows doctors two things. First, the anatomy of the bladder is outlined, and if there are abnormalities, some of them will be visible. Second, the exam shows whether there is any "back-up" of urine from the bladder back toward the kidneys. This back-up often occurs in cases of urinary tract infection, and the treatment your doctor prescribes will be based in part on whether it's present.

Please feel free to ask the technologist or radiologist about any part of the tests you don't understand. Presbyterian has only the best interests of your child at heart, and we want to be sure that all your questions are answered.

Please note: This examination can be performed under general anesthesia outside the Radiology Department by a urologist. If you desire this type examination for your child, please discuss it with your physician.

What Will Happen During the Test?

To perform the exam, a specialist will insert a small rubber or plastic tube into your child's urinary bladder. Then an x-ray technologist will fill the bladder with a clear liquid which is visible on -ray film. When the bladder is full, the radiologist and technologist will take x-rays images of the bladder, asking your child to turn in various positions. Then the tube will be removed, and your child will be encouraged to urinate. The x-rays we make during this process will help us trace the path the liquid takes out of the body.

Small children require a certain amount of restraint to permit safe insertion of the tube. Insertion of the tube will cause some mild discomfort and can be strange and frightening to a child. Therefore, parents should expect some crying. In most cases, one or both parents are allowed to stay in the examining room with the child if they want to. Occasionally, the radiologist may feel it is in the best interest of the child that only medical personnel be in the room.

Your physician may request other tests in addition to the VCUG. An intravenous urogram (IVU) or a kidney ultrasound may be done before or after the VCUG. There may be times that an IVU is requested but can't be done that day if there is back-up of fluid into the kidneys because the kidneys need to be clear before the test starts.

How Long Will the Test Last?

If several tests are ordered, your total time in the Radiology Department may be approximately two and a half hours.