Please read this information carefully (even if your child has had the procedure before) as it includes some important information. If you and your child do not follow the instructions, we may be unable to complete the imaging procedure.
What is Micturating Cystogram?
A Micturating Cystogram is a test to look at the outline of your child’s bladder and where the urine in your child’s bladder goes when it empties.
Important information
Your child must be taking antibiotics before the test.
If your child is not already on antibiotics please make a GP appointment and get appropriate antibiotics prescribed.
The test will not be performed if your child is not on antibiotics.
Allergies/Condition
It is important that you notify us if your child has any allergies or medical conditions ahead of the procedure.
How long will the examination last?
The examination will last approximately 30 minutes
Staff involved in the procedure
A Radiologist (a Doctor specialising in X-rays) will carry out the examination and will be assisted by Radiographers. They are specially trained professionals who have undergone the appropriate training and education required to complete your child’s examination.
A Radiology Assistant may be present during your child’s exam to provide support to both you and your child and the health professional completing the procedure.
Student learners may be present; however, the learning environment is controlled learning and under the supervision of a qualified professional.
Do I need to bring anything?
Please bring a feed and nappies for babies as well as a spare set of clothes. If your child has a special toy, blanket or book you can also bring this for comfort. iPads are available for your child to watch or play on during the examination if distraction is needed. They are also welcome to bring music and earphones to listen to, to help them relax.
I am pregnant can I stay with my child?
Yes you can come into the X-ray room and watch; however we will need you to bring someone else who can stay next to your child during the examination.
How do you keep babies still throughout the examination?
You will help to hold your child in the required position, and move them into different positions as requested by the Radiologist. Staff assisting with the procedure will also be available to help.
What happens during the examination?
The Radiologist will insert a small tube into your child’s bladder which will be used to allow contrast to flow into the bladder.
X-rays are taken at regular intervals while the contrast flows into and fills the bladder.
We will wait for the contrast to fill the bladder and then wait for your child to wee out the contrast.
The process may be repeated to get more images and information.
What is contrast?
Contrast (X-ray dye) is a liquid that shows up on our X-rays, It outlines structures in the body so they can be seen on the X-ray. It is a clear sticky substance which allows the Radiologist to see parts of the body more clearly. Contrast is not radio-active.
“My child is anxious about the examination”
Please reassure your child that there is nothing to embarrassed about. We carry out these examinations on a regular basis. If your child has a special toy, blanket or book you can also bring this for comfort. iPads are available for your child to watch or play on during the examination if distraction is needed. They are welcome to bring music and earphones to listen to, to help them relax.
Does the examination hurt?
The examination should not hurt. Sometimes it can make your child feel ‘full’ like they need to empty their bladder.
Are there any associated risks?
X-rays are a type of radiation. Everybody is exposed to small amounts of natural background radiation from the soil, food and air we breathe. The Radiologist and Radiographer will make sure the smallest amount of X-rays are used in examination.
The risk from this radiation dose is low, and the benefits of your child having the examination outweigh these risks. When you support your child during the examination, you will also receive a small amount of radiation on top of the natural background radiation you receive annually.
For further information:
If you have any concerns about the radiation risk please speak to the Radiologist before the examination begins.
Having a catheter inserted carries a small risk of infection. It is very rare as we use a sterile (very clean) technique. To reduce this risk, we ask that your child has appropriate antibiotic cover.
The contrast (X-ray dye) that we use can produce an allergic reaction in some patients on an individual basis. Most reactions happen soon after or within the first hour of having contrast medium.
Tell the Radiologist if your child starts to feel unwell during or after the procedure. You’ll be asked to wait at the hospital for a short time after having the scan to check for any reaction to the contrast medium.
What aftercare is needed?
No aftercare is needed. We have washing facilities for babies and older children if needed.
How will I get the results?
A Radiologist will review your images and produce a report which is sent back to your referrer to share with you.
Your referrer should receive your results within four weeks. If you have not had any results after four weeks, please contact your referrer.
Childcare:
Staff are unable to look after additional children in the department. Therefore, we ask you to make alternative arrangements for other children whilst attending the appointment.
If you attend an appointment with additional children with no one to look after them, then the appointment may have to be cancelled and rescheduled.
How to find us:
Contact details
We are always happy to discuss any specific concerns or queries regarding any imaging investigation.
Appointment queries
Examination queries
For further information about Learning Disability and Autism support for your child please contact:
