This is an X-ray examination of the bladder and the urethra (the tube that leads from the bladder to the outside). A contrast medium is introduced into the bladder to improve visualization.

X-ray images are taken in various positions with the bladder full of contrast and while the bladder is being emptied.

X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation (like light). They are of higher energy, however, and can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray.

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an X-ray technician. You will be asked to lie on your back on the X-ray table. A catheter (a thin flexible tube) will be gently inserted into the urethra and passed into the bladder. The contrast medium is injected through the catheter into the bladder and the catheter is clamped. A number of X-ray films are then taken in various positions. The catheter is removed so that you can urinate (void). X-rays are taken of the bladder and urethra during voiding.

• Pregnant
• Allergic to X-ray contrast material
• Allergic to any medications

• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

This test is performed to detect abnormalities of the bladder and the urethra (tube that leads from the bladder to the outside). The test may also detect abnormal bladder emptying, congenital anomaly (abnormality); and in males, it may detect urethral stricture and extent of narrowing in the prostatic urethra.

Abnormal results may indicate urethral stricture (a narrowing of the urethra), bladder or urethral diverticula (pouch-like sacs that develop and protrude from the walls of an organ), ureterocele (when the tube going from the kidney to the bladder protrudes into the bladder), prostatic enlargement, vesicoureteric reflux (urine is returning back into the bladder), and neurogenic bladder (bladder does not respond to feeling full).

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Alcoholic neuropathy
• Autonomic neuropathy
• Chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy
• Complicated UTI (pyelonephritis)
• Irritable bladder
• Pyelonephritis; acute
• Reflux nephropathy

There may be some discomfort on voiding because of irritation from the catheter. There may be bladder spasms afterward. This may be an allergic reaction to the contrast medium.