VCUG (Voiding Cysto UrethroGram)

Also known as: VCUG.

What is a voiding cystourethrogram?

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.

What to expect during the procedure

Step 1: Getting Ready

• Within the room, you will see a table with a camera attached to the it.
• Next, your child will need to remove all clothes including underwear and will be asked change into a hospital gown. 
• The technologist will then ask for you to help your child lay down on the table.
• A member of the medical team will then use soft cotton balls and a soap called “Betadine” (brown soap) to clean the area where your child urinates.

• Some children say this part feels cold and wet or can even tickle.
• Girls will be asked to make “frog legs,” “butterfly wings” or “ballerina legs” (feet together, knees apart while lying down) so that the area can be properly cleaned.  
• A “lubricated catheter” (a small, flexible, plastic tube, covered with jelly) will then be placed as gently as possible into your child’s bladder and taped in place.
  • Your child may feel pressure and or the need to urinate during this time.
  • To help make the catheter insertion easier for the child, ask him or her to take deep breaths (in through the nose and out through the mouth).
  • Deep breaths help muscles relax and allow the tube to slide in smoothly.
  • If the child is too young to take deep breaths, gently breathe onto his or her face to encourage the child to take a breath of air.
• Once placed, the catheter is then connected to the liquid contrast. 

Reviewed by: Rafael Gosalbez, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:45 PM