After the Test
Your child will go to the Diagnostic
Imaging recovery area. You may stay with
your child. Your child’s stay in the hospital
will be about 1–2 hours.
Your child may resume normal activities.
Your child may be unsteady when moving.
Your child may notice a sensation of
stinging and urgency when voiding. This is
normal.
It is important to have your child drink
plenty of fluids within the next 24 hours to
help prevent a bladder infection.
You
should call your doctor or have your child’s
urine checked if the pain and burning
persists after 24 hours, if your child is
voiding more frequently or if your child
develops a fever.
Diagnostic Imaging Department
Hamilton Health Sciences
The X-Ray dye and the cleaning solution
McMaster Medical Centre
needed for catheterizing are sticky, so that
1200 Main Street West
it is likely you will wish to bathe your child
Hamilton, Ontario
on your return home.
L8N 3Z5
(905) 521-2100, ext. 75287
March 2011
The Diagnostic Imaging Department is on
Hamilton Health Sciences,
McMaster Medical Centre
Preparation for
Children having a
Voiding Cystogram
With sedation
(OUT
PATIENT)
the Main floor (2nd Level), near the
Yellow elevators.
Come to the Reception Desk when you
arrive.
Call before the test:
if you have questions about the test, call
(905) 521-2100, ext. 75321, between
8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday to
Friday

call (905) 521-2100, ext. 75287 at other
times
Name:
.
Appointment date:
.
or if you need to rebook your
appointment
What is a Voiding Cystogram?
This is a test where x-rays and a
Appointment time:
.
special dye
are used to see your child’s urinary bladder and
how it empties.
To do this, he/she must be
catheterized. This means a small tube is placed
Please read this pamphlet carefully
after
making your appointment.
If your child is admitted to hospital before
his/her test, tell the nurses about this
appointment.
through the opening where he/she passes
urine. A special dye will be put up this tube and
will fill your child’s bladder.
Before
When your child’s bladder has filled, he/she
the
Test
will be asked to empty their bladder while
the Radiologist takes x-rays or pictures.
You will be asked some questions about your
Small
child’s health.
children will
empty their bladder
naturally when it becomes full.
Instructions before the test
If your child has any allergies,
heart or breathing problems, please tell the
nurse before the test.
A technologist will assist the nurse with your
YOU MUST FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
child’s procedure.
OR YOUR CHILDS PROCEDURE WILL BE
Your child’s weight will be checked.
CANCELLED.
It is very important that your child lie still
for these pictures. This is why your child
needs to be sedated for this test.
Your
child will receive the sedation medication
by mouth.
EATING: Your child may follow their
regular diet for up to 6 hours prior to
the test. Then no solid food, milk
products, candies or chewing gum are
Tell the nurse if your child is allergic to latex.
allowed after
Medication
_________________________________________
DRINKING:
If you child has a cough, fever or is unwell,
take your child to your doctor to assess if
he/she is well enough for sedation. If your
doctor decides that the child is too ill for
sedation, please call (905) 521-2100 ext.
75321 to cancel the appointment.
Your child may have 6 to 8
oz. (180 ml – 240 ml) water, apple juice or
soda pop up to 4 hours before scheduled
appointment.
If your child takes medication give with small
amount of clear fluid as early as possible the
morning of the test.
These fluids are allowed until ________________
Please
Failure to follow these instructions will
bring
a
list
of
your
medications with you.
result in your child not being sedated
and the voiding cystogram cancelled.
During the Test
child’s
You may stay with your child during the
test unless you are pregnant.
If you are
pregnant, another member of your family
may stay with your child while the pictures
are being taken.