Your baby or child is having a micturating cysto-urethrogram (MCU) to find out if they have urinary reflux (backflow). If your child is a boy, they may also have an MCU to check for an obstruction of the urethra.
See: Urinary reflux / VUR (vesico-ureteric reflux) [1], including the section What is the urinary tract and how does it normally work? [2]
An MCU is an x-ray test of the bladder as it fills and empties.
The test will take place in the x-ray (radiology) department of your hospital, or at another x-ray (radiology) centre.
The insertion of the catheter can be uncomfortable, more so for boys because of their longer urethra. The doctor or nurse will use a lubricating gel to make the insertion easier. In older boys, local anaesthetic jelly can make the procedure easier.
Apart from this, the test is relatively painless. Children do find having a full bladder uncomfortable, but this passes when they empty their bladder.
Some x-ray departments may offer sedation to children to reduce discomfort and anxiety.
Many medical procedures or tests can be frightening for children. To help your child feel more comfortable or reassured you can try the following:
There are usually no side effects from this test. Some children feel a mild burning while weeing for a short time afterwards (sometimes a day or two). Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids and this will pass quickly.
In rare cases, children can have difficulty emptying their bladder. If your child has this problem, get them to wee while sitting in a warm bath.
Very rarely, your child may develop a UTI after an MCU. Some x-ray departments may recommend antibiotics around the time of the test to prevent this. Your x-ray department or your child's referring doctor will give you instructions about this.
See: UTI (urinary tract infection) [4].
The x-ray doctor (radiologist) will examine and interpret the x-ray films and make a written report to your doctor. This usually takes several days. Sometimes the radiologist will be able to discuss the results with you at the time of the examination.
This page has been adapted from: Starship Radiology Department. Starship Children's Health. 2003. Micturating cysto-urethrogram: Information for parents and families of children.
This page last reviewed 30 August 2018.
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Links
[1] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/urinary-reflux
[2] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/urinary-tract-infection#block_1177
[3] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/helping-your-child-manage-their-treatment
[4] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/urinary-tract-infection
[5] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/1663
[6] https://www.hospitalplay.org.nz/
[7] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/node/1853
[8] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F251