VCUG – Voiding Cystourethrogram Test

What is it?

• A VCUG is a video X-ray of the bladder and urinary tract in action. This test can be used for the following:

• It can show the bladder’s size and shape, and how much it holds. It also shows the urethra.

• It can show if you have reflux. This is where urine from the bladder travels backwards to the kidneys.

What will happen during the test?

This test takes about 30 minutes. You will lie on your back on the X-ray exam table. We will clean your genital area with an antiseptic.

Then, we will gently insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the urethra. The urethra is the hole that carries urine out of the body.

The tube is gently pushed into the bladder. This may cause brief discomfort.

We will then drip a special X-ray dye called contrast into the catheter. This will fill the bladder.  The doctor will take pictures of the bladder with the X-ray machine.

Once the bladder is full of contrast, the tube is gently removed. You will need to urinate while on the table. The doctor will take more pictures while the bladder empties.

What should I expect after the test?

• You may do your normal activities.

• You may feel a little sore the next time you urinate.

• Your urine may look a little discolored for 1 day. This is normal.