Voiding Cystourethrogram

If your child has been scheduled for a voiding cystourethrogram, it means their doctor would like a closer look at their bladder, urethra, and kidneys. 

What is a voiding cystourethrogram? 

A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) captures real-time, moving images of your child’s urinary system. To make this image we use a specialized X-ray machine called a fluoroscope. We use a catheter to fill your child's bladder with a liquid contrast agent, or dye, to make their urinary system show up on the image.  

How voiding cystourethrogram is used by doctors 

Doctors often request this study for children who have frequent urinary tract infections. It is also used to detect reflux, a condition where urine goes back up to the kidneys from the bladder instead of flowing out through the urethra. 

How can I help my child prepare for the exam? 

• On the day of the exam your child should wear comfortable clothes. 
• Let your child know that you will be with them for the whole exam.  
• Have your child bring a favorite toy or comforting object with them to their appointment. 
• If you have copies of prior exams, please bring them with you. 
• Please make childcare arrangements for siblings as they will not be allowed into the exam room. 
• If you are pregnant, you will not be allowed in the room during the exam and may wish to have someone else be with your child. 

What will happen during the exam? 

• Check in for your child’s appointment on the Connect patient portal. You may also check in when you arrive at the imaging center.  
• When you arrive for your appointment, your child will be asked to change into a gown.  
• You will be allowed to accompany your child to the exam room. We will ask you to wear a lead apron to protect you from unnecessary exposure to radiation. 
• A technologist will bring you and your child to the exam room and explain the procedure. You will also meet the radiologist who will be taking the pictures. 
• We will ask your child to lie on a table below the fluoroscope.  
• The radiologist will clean the area to be catheterized with a brown iodine solution.  
• To introduce the contrast dye into your child’s bladder, we will place a small flexible catheter (a hollow plastic tube) through the urethra into the bladder. Your child may feel some pressure and think they need to urinate. We will then slowly drip the contrast dye through the tube to expand the bladder.  
• As the bladder fills, we will take pictures with the fluoroscope.  
• We will then ask your child to empty their bladder onto an absorbent pad on the X-ray table. As your child voids we will record the process with the fluoroscope. 
• The catheter will slide out painlessly while they urinate. 
• The exam takes between 30 and 60 minutes. 

How can I help my child feel comfortable during the exam? 

The placement of the catheter may be uncomfortable for your child, especially if they are unable to relax. Many children are also embarrassed by having to void under the camera. You can remain with your child throughout the exam to offer comfort and reassurance. You can help them relax by taking deep breaths together or by distracting them with a song or video. Talk to your child before the exam about what might help them relax.  

Are there any risks? 

This is an X-ray based exam, and your child will be exposed to minimal doses of diagnostic radiation. We adjust the dose of radiation to the size of your child. The risk is small compared to the benefit of an accurate diagnosis or intervention. 

After the exam 

Your child can immediately resume normal activities after the VCUG. A radiologist will analyze the images and share the results with the doctor who requested the exam. Your child’s doctor will discuss the results with you.