Introduction
We hope this guide will answer your questions about your child’s micturating cystogram
(MCU). Please contact the team if you require further information via the details at the end of this leaflet.
What is a micturating cystogram procedure?
An MCU is a special X-ray test to show your child’s bladder and urinary system (water works) and how it works.
Why do I need a MCU?
The doctors involved in your child’s care have requested this examination as the most appropriate test to help diagnose your child’s problem.
What are the associated risks?
X-Ray radiation: All x-ray procedures involve exposure to radiation in varying amounts. The dose you get from a medical x-ray is very low and your doctor along with the radiologists have determined that the benefits of having the examination outweigh potential risks. The radiographer is present throughout your test making sure that the radiation dose is kept as low as reasonably possible and the duration and level of x-rays are kept to a minimum.
Contrast medium: A very small number of patients have an allergic reaction to the contrast medium (x-ray dye). This can be minor, severe, or even life threatening but the chances of this occurring are very rare. If you get an itchy rash or difficulty breathing during the procedure tell a member of staff, the team will provide appropriate treatment.
Patients aged 12 and over, could you be pregnant? X-rays can be harmful to an unborn
baby and should be avoided by patients who are or may be pregnant. It is recommended that the examination is performed within 10 days of the first day of your menstrual period. If your appointment is not within this time or if you think you may be pregnant, please contact the X-ray department before your appointment. When you arrive for your Angioplasty, you will be asked when your last period started. If it is more than 10 days earlier, your appointment may be postponed.
Possibility of pregnancy in parent/ guardian; If you are or think you may be pregnant you should ask another adult to attend with you to accompany your child in the x-ray room.
Can I be with my child during the test?
You are more than welcome to be with your child throughout the test unless you are
pregnant.
Do I need to give my permission (consent)?
The radiologist (x-ray doctor) will explain the procedure and ask you if you are happy for the examination to go ahead. This is called verbal consent. If you or your child do not wish to have the examination or are undecided, please ask the radiographer / sonographer / mammographer so that they can answer any questions you may have. Remember, it is your decision. You can change your mind at any time and your wishes will be respected. However, not having the examination may delay your child’s diagnosis as the referring clinician may not have all the needed information.
Preparing for your procedure
Your child will need antibiotics for 48 hours before the procedure and for 3 days afterwards. This will normally be prescribed by the doctor who has sent your child for the test. If your child is not prescribed any antibiotics, please contact your GP at least a week before the appointment to arrange a prescription If you are unsure or have questions about your child’s preparation, contact your child’s doctor or the X-ray department for advice. Please contact the booking team in advance;
- if you plan to use hospital transport or require a hoist transfer.
- If your child has had a previous allergic reaction to x-ray dye (contrast agent) or is allergic to iodine.
Allergies
Please inform the radiologist if your child has asthma or any allergies.
Medication
Please continue to give your child all medications as usual prior to their examination.
Getting to us
Once you have arrived at The Princess Alexandra Hospital (Hamstel Road, Harlow, Essex,
CM20 1QX), follow the signage to the radiology reception, which is located on the ground floor, green zone. Please let the radiology receptionist know that you have arrived for your appointment.
When should we arrive?
Please arrive in the radiology department at your child’s given appointment time. A notification through text or letter should have been sent to you to confirm this appointment.
Can someone stay with my child in the hospital?
You child can have one adult relative/ guardian accompany them in the x-ray room, any
other adult will be asked to stay in the waiting area while they have their procedure.
Children are not allowed in the waiting area unattended. Our staff are not permitted to
supervise children, so please ensure child care arrangements are in place to avoid your
tests being rescheduled.
The procedure
A radiologist will be performing your child’s examination and you will be asked to undress your child and they may be asked to put on a gown. This is to make sure that no buttons or zips from their clothes show on the X-ray pictures. Your child will need to lie on the X-ray bed throughout the test. Over the bed is an X-ray machine. To make sure that your child’s urinary system shows up on the X-ray images we will need to put some contrast medium (X-ray dye) into their bladder. To get this dye into the bladder, a small, soft tube needs to be put into the hole where your child passes urine (wee) from. Once the tube is in place we will start to fill the bladder with contrast medium and X-ray images will be taken as the bladder fills. When your child’s bladder is full they will need to pass urine. At this stage the tube will gently be removed and some final X-ray images will be taken. This is done to look at how the bladder is working. The test is now completed. Your child can get dressed and can eat and drink as normal.
How long will this take?
The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes, although this can vary slightly.
Is it uncomfortable?
This may be a little uncomfortable, but to help we use a numbing gel. It may help if your child has their bottle or dummy during the tube insertion. Your child will not feel the x rays, so the procedure itself is painless. However, it is important to fill the bladder which may feel uncomfortable, but for the majority of patients this is not the case.
When will we get the results?
All the X-rays are looked at by the Radiologist (a doctor who reports X-rays). They will send the results to the doctor who arranged the test for your child. Your doctor will explain the results to you when you attend for your next appointment with them, or may alternatively write to you.
Contacting the team
- If you have any further questions about your procedure or an existing appointment, please contact the radiology department (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm) at 01279 82 2527 or 3405
- If you have any queries outside of working hours (after 4pm and on weekends), you will be redirected to the main radiology reception. Please note appointment bookings cannot be made during this time.
Your feedback matters
- If you would like to give feedback on your care, please contact our patient experience team at [email protected] or01279 827211.
- Please contact the communications team at [email protected] if you would like this leaflet in another language or format.