THE MEDICAL IMAGING EXPERIENCE
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
NUCLEAR MEDICINE PEDIATRIC RADIONUCLIDE CYSTOGRAM (RNVCUG)

WHAT IS IT?
A Nuclear Medicine RNVCUG is an examination to determine if urine collected in the bladder will flow backwards into the ureters, an abnormal condition.
Nuclear Medicine scans are performed using very small amounts of radioactive material. The radioactive material is usually bound to other non-radioactive elements. These combined elements are called "radionuclide". The radionuclide emit energy called "photons". Radionuclide can be directed to many organs and systems in the body. Once a radionuclide is distributed in an organ or system, the photon energy is collected by a "Gamma Camera". The Gamma Camera detects the pattern of distribution of the radionuclide in the body and sends this information to a computer. The computer processes the information and displays the information in the form of a picture.

Nuclear Medicine exams differ from other x-ray procedures because the energy (x-rays and photons) come from different sources. X-ray energy is created by the x-ray tube and pass through the body. Another major difference is that Nuclear Medicine exams best demonstrate body physiology (system function), whereas x-rays show anatomical detail.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
The Nuclear Medicine technologist will assist your child to lie on a flat exam table. The child's legs will be placed in a "frog leg" position while the nurse cleans the opening to the urethra with a cleansing solution. Then a small, soft rubber catheter will be inserted into the urethra and advanced into the bladder. Any urine in the bladder will be drained out through the catheter. The patient is then asked to sit on a bedpan with the Gamma Camera under the table. The catheter is then connected to an IV bottle of water containing a small amount of the radionuclide. The fluid will be allowed to drain through the catheter and into the bladder. While the bladder is being filled, a series of pictures will be taken. After the bladder is full, the child is asked to void around the catheter and pictures are taken during this emptying phase.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TEST TAKE?
It will take about 30 minutes after you arrive to prepare for the exam. It will then take about 30 - 40 minutes to complete the exam.

WHAT WILL I FEEL -- WILL IT HURT?
There may be some discomfort when the catheter is inserted. Your child will experience the sensation of a "full bladder" as the water is draining into the bladder. Your child will not feel any effects from the radionuclide. Your child will need to hold very still while the scan is being performed so that the best picture can be made. Your child will not feel any effects from the Gamma Camera. It does not create radiation, it only detects the radiation coming from the injected radionuclide. The Gamma Camera is a large machine that collects the emitted photons from the radionuclide but produces very little sound. The Gamma Camera must be very close to your child to obtain the pictures. The radiation will disappear from your child's body when (s)he urinates. The radiation exposure received from this exam is no more than from a routine x-ray procedure.

WHAT WILL THE TEST SHOW?
The exam helps to determine the bladder's ability to hold urine, its ability to empty and whether the urine can move backward toward the kidneys during urination (reflux).

HOW DO I GET READY?
No special diet is required. Your child can eat breakfast before the exam.
Your child will need to change into a hospital gown. Every effort is made to limit the child's anxiety during the procedure. Please review the information in this educational handout with your child in advance to help prepare them.

Reviewed: November 2005