Micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG)

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

This leaflet is for parents / carers of babies or young children having an MCUG. It gives information about the test, how to prepare and what to expect.

What is an MCUG?

An MCUG is a type of X-ray test that involves putting a special harmless clear dye into the bladder. This dye shows up on X-rays, allowing doctors to see what happens when the bladder fills up and empties.

Why is my child having this test?

This test is done for young children who have problems with urine infections or are born with an abnormality of the kidneys or bladder. It can show if there is any blockage to the flow of urine when the bladder empties, or if urine flows back up the wrong way from the bladder towards the kidneys.

The results of the test will help your consultant to decide on whether your child needs any further investigations or treatment.

How do I prepare my child for the test?

To help prevent infection, your child should take antibiotics the day before the test, the day of the test, and the day after (three days in total).

If they are already taking trimethoprim to prevent infections, the dose should be increased for these three days – they should take double the dose twice a day for the three days. For example, if they normally take 2.5 ml at bedtime, they should take 5 ml in the morning and at bedtime for three days starting from the day before the test.

If they are already taking a different antibiotic, or are not already taking any antibiotics, please contact your hospital doctor or GP to arrange suitable antibiotics (treatment dose of trimethoprim or their usual antibiotic for three days).

Your child can feed / eat and drink normally before and after the test.

What happens during the test?

The MCUG will be done in the fluoroscopy room in the Radiology Department at Russells Hall Hospital by a specialist team including a radiologist and a radiographer.

For the test, your baby or child will be positioned on a special table, and you will be able to be with them throughout the test, unless you are (or may be) pregnant. If you are pregnant, you would stay outside the room. We recommend that two adult family members should attend with your child and stay with your child during the test. You will be asked to help hold your child in position. If you are able to distract them by talking to them, singing to them or feeding them, this may also be helpful.

After cleaning with antiseptic, a catheter (small sterile soft tube) will be put into the child’s bladder. A special gel (containing local anaesthetic) is used to reduce discomfort. The special dye (a warmed sterile clear fluid) is then put into the bladder through the catheter. An X-ray machine is used to take pictures while the bladder fills up and then empties. The test usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. After the test, your child may be taken home straight away.

Will my child have any side effects?

Most children do not experience any side effects. Occasionally, they may experience some stinging or irritation when they pass urine after the test. Paracetamol (Calpol), sitting in a warm bath and drinking plenty are all things that might help with this.

There is a chance that your child may have blood in their urine after the test. Contact your doctor if your child has blood in their urine for more than two days after the procedure, or if they have signs of a urine infection, such as a fever (temperature over 38C), being sick or feeling irritable or drowsy.

How will I get the results?

The radiologist will look at all the images and send a report to the consultant who requested the test. The consultant or their team will discuss the results with you at your child’s next appointment with them.

Can I find out more?

If you have any questions, you will be able to ask the radiologist or radiographer on the day. You can also contact your doctor who has asked for the test, or you can call the Radiology Department on 01384 456111 ext 2002 or 2030 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).

For more information about this examination, you can look at the infoKID website which has information for parents and carers about kidney and bladder conditions in children:

https://www.infokid.org.uk/micturating-cystourethrogram-mcug

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Charlotte Phillips, Mark Bishay, Helen Taylor. Date originated: March 2022. Review date: December 2024. Version: 1. DGH ref: DGH/PIL/02169.