What is a voiding cystourethrogram?

Also known as: VCUG.

A voiding cystourethrogram procedure utilizes an X-ray called fluoroscopy, and a watery like liquid called contrast, to help examine the bladder, ureters, kidneys and direction of urine flow.

It looks for any possible causes of a urinary tract infection (UTI), or vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), which is when urine flows backwards from the bladder and towards the kidneys.

Because this test uses radiation, women who are pregnant and any accompanying children, are not permitted to be in the room during the scan. If you are pregnant, please bring another adult who can stay with your child during the scan and/or another adult who can wait in the waiting room with the other children.  

The amount of time to complete the test is different for each child.  Please plan for the test to take approximately 30 minutes to at least 1 hour once in the exam room.

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Reviewed by: Rafael Gosalbez, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM