Health Topics

Before coming to the hospital, read the explanation that follows and explain to your child what will happen during the test. For young children, use simple words and explain only shortly before the test.

If your child is an infant, it is helpful to bring along a bottle of formula or juice with you for after the test. It is also recommended that you bring a pacifier, blanket or special toy to help calm your child.

For older children, it is helpful to bring a book or toy so that he / she can play while waiting.

Your child should not drink fluids that contain caffeine (soft drinks, tea, coffee, etc.) on the day of the test.

It is helpful to have another caregiver watch your child's siblings.

A technologist will place a small needle into your child's hand or foot -- this is called an IV. The technologist will also place a small tube, or catheter, into the bladder through the opening where urine comes out. It will hurt for a moment when the needle and the catheter are placed.

After the needle and catheter are in place, the special medicine is injected into the IV. Your child will then lie on a soft table while pictures are taken with a special camera that is located below him / her. This picture session lasts about 20 minutes.

Next your child may be given a medicine called Lasix through the same IV line. The same kind of pictures will be taken for 30 more minutes. A few children do not need the Lasix to finish the test.

Your child will need to be still while the IV and catheter are placed and while the pictures are taken. It is often difficult for young children to lie still at this time. If your child is unable to lie still, our staff will assist your child in holding still. Parents may stay with their child during the entire test.

It is possible that during the procedure your child may experience some discomfort. Please tell the doctor, nurse or technologist if pain occurs.  

The technologist will tell you when all of the pictures have been taken. The needle and catheter will be removed. Your child may return to normal daily activities. After having the urinary catheter placed for the test, your child's urine may be pink the first time he / she urinates. This is caused by a small amount of blood in the urine. If this happens more than once or if your child has difficulty urinating, call your child's doctor.

Your child will remove the medicine from his / her body when he / she urinates. It should be completely out of your child's body within 6-8 hours. As always, you and your child should wash your hands after he / she urinates and after handling diapers or urine-soaked sheets.

Results of the test will be available to your child's doctor within 24 hours. He / she will contact you about the results.