A VCUG is commonly performed after the first urinary tract infection in children. Urinary tract infections are much more common in girls because they have a short urethra, which allows the bladder to be more easily infected from the outside.

• For a child under the age of 3, we may use a special device called an octagon board where the child is secured during the exam like a little papoose. This does not hurt the child, but is done to help reduce the amount of radiation the child receives during the exam by restricting unwanted motion. It also allows the Radiologist to turn the child quickly onto their side so as not to miss any crucial anatomy during the exam.
• On a child over the age of 3 years of age, they will lay on towels on the x-ray table with one parent remaining with the child.

A preliminary x-ray is taken of the abdomen. To catheterize the bladder, a specially trained technologist will first cleanse the area around the urethra with an antiseptic solution before slipping the small, soft catheter into the urethra. A small piece of tape will secure the catheter so it will not slip out. The child might experience the sensation that they have to go to the bathroom but will be voiding through the catheter.

The contrast (iodine mixed with sterile water), will be hung like an I.V. bottle and will be connected to the catheter. The contrast is warm and most children cannot feel the bladder filling. As the contrast flows into the bladder by a gravity drip the Radiologist will be taking x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and the urethra as the child voids. The child will experience some discomfort when the bladder fills to capacity but this will be relieved when the child voids. The contrast stops dripping when the child’s bladder is full. The child will be asked to void on the table in  towels/cloth diapers. An older male child may use a urinal. It is important for the child to void on the table so the Radiologist can identify reflux during the voiding cycle. Sedation is not recommended because it can interfere with the child’s ability to void.