Urinary Tract Infection

Voiding Cystourethrogram

A voiding cystourethrogram or VCUG is a special test that shows how your bladder is working. It also takes pictures of the tubes between your kidneys and your bladder called ureters. There can be many reasons why you need this test.

We will talk to you and your parents about your test. Some of this information can be a bit confusing, so it may be helpful to read this handout with your parents a few times. Write down any questions you have and we can answer them on the phone or when you come to see us.

We think the best way to explain what happens during a VCUG is to go through it step by step:

• Your parents will be encouraged to stay with you during the test, unless your mother is pregnant. Also, a special friend like a teddy bear, doll or blanket is very welcome to come with you. Some boys and girls like to wear their own shirts during the test, others like to put on one of the gowns we have here. We will ask you to take off your pants or skirt so they don't get wet during the test. When you are ready and it's your turn, you will go into a room with a few big machines that are cameras and a long table. The cameras are connected to a television screen in the room.
• You will be asked to climb onto the table (someone will help you if necessary), and you will lie down on the table. We have a videocassette player here so you can watch a movie during the test. We have a limited selection of videos. If you have a favorite video from home, please bring it along. We also have Game Boy, which is available on a first come, first serve basis.
• A doctor or nurse will ask you to pull your feet up close to your body while sticking your knees out to the side like a frog. Then he or she will wash the private area between your legs with soapy liquid to make it super clean. It may feel very cold and wet. A small, thin tube called a catheter will gently slide into your bladder and will be taped to your leg so it won't fall out. It feels funny or may even hurt for a second. That is the tough part. The rest is easy.
• There will be a tall pole with a bottle of clear liquid called "contrast material" near the table. The catheter is used to put the contrast material or liquid into your bladder. This liquid will show up on film during the test and enables us to see your bladder. You can watch a TV screen as your bladder fills up, if you're not too busy watching a movie! As your bladder is filling, you will feel like you have to go to the bathroom. When enough contrast liquid is in your bladder, the doctor or nurse will take out the catheter.
• Try to hold your urine and not go to the bathroom as long as you possibly can. We know it's not easy. When you can't hold another drop, tell the doctor or nurse. Believe it or not, they will ask you to go to the bathroom right there on the table! Don't worry about making a mess because it is OK to urinate on this special table. While you are urinating, the cameras will take pictures of your bladder.
• While pictures are being taken, the TV screen showing your bladder will flash on, the lights will dim and you will hear a low humming sound from the machine above you. Some children say it sounds like a train. This may happen a few times. When your picture is being taken, it really helps if you can stay as still as possible so it doesn't come out blurry.
• After all these pictures are taken, you're done! You'll get cleaned up and put your clothes on to go home. You may be a little sore the next couple of times you go to the bathroom. This is temporary and will go away soon.

We realize this will not be fun, but it is an important test that gives us special information about your bladder.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.