Cystourethrogram

Test Overview

A cystourethrogram is an X-ray test that takes pictures of your bladder and urethra while you are urinating. A thin flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through your urethra into your bladder. A liquid material that shows up well on an X-ray picture (contrast material) is injected into your bladder through the catheter, then X-rays are taken with the contrast material in your bladder. Additional X-rays may be taken while urine flows out of your bladder, in which case the test is called a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG).

If X-rays are taken while contrast material is being injected into the urethra, the test is called retrograde urethrogram because the contrast material flows into the bladder opposite the usual direction of urine flow.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: September 13, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
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