Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG): Caring for your child at home after the procedure

VCUG is short for voiding cystourethrogram. A VCUG is a special test that uses X-rays and contrast medium to show what happens when your child urinates (pees).

For a detailed description of the VCUG test, please read Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG).

Your child may have some symptoms after a VCUG

After the test, your child can go back to normal activities. During the first day or two after the test, you may notice these normal events:

• Your child's urine may be pink in colour when they urinate. This is caused by a small amount of blood in the urine.
• Your child may complain of pressure or stinging with the first urination.
• The area where the catheter went in may be sore, and your child may be anxious about peeing.

What parents can do to help

• Usually, drinking lots of water will help relieve these symptoms and help your child to start peeing normally.
• Do not use soap or bubble bath in your child's bath for 24 hours after the test.

When to call your child's doctor

Call your child's doctor right away if any of the following things happen:

• Your child complains of severe pain in the abdomen (belly).
• Your child has a fever with a temperature over 38°C (101°F), taken rectally.
• Your child's urine is bright red.
• If your child is under two years old: your child has not urinated four hours after the catheter was taken out.
• If your child is over two years old: your child has not urinated six to eight hours after the catheter was taken out.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if either of the following things happen:

• Your child still has burning with urination 24 hours after the procedure.
• Your child still has pink-tinged urine.