Micturating Cystogram (MCU) Information for parents Children’s Ward Phone: 01625 661080 or 661084 X-Ray Department Phone: 01625 661372 Appointment queries: Phone: 01625 661372 www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk @eastcheshirenhs Ref: 10291 Review: 08/2015 Micturating Cystogram ref 10291 Review 08/2015 What is a Micturating Cystogram (MCU)? MCU is a test that makes it possible to look at your child’s bladder using contrast liquid under X-ray. Why is this done? This test shows up any weakness in the tubes leading from the bladder to the kidneys (reflux). What is contrast? Contrast is a clear liquid containing a substance which enables us to look at the urinary system (kidneys, ureters and bladder) using X-rays. The contrast passes quickly out of the body in the urine, usually within 30 minutes. Preparation Your child is already on preventative treatment, Trimethoprim, once at night. You need to double your child’s dose (amount) the evening before your child is due to have an MCU and then again in the morning. The evening after the treatment, your child should have another double dose and then again the following morning (making four double doses in all). When this is completed you should revert back to giving the normal dose of Trimethoprim at the usual time. Micturating Cystogram ref 10291 Review 08/2015 What and where is this done? Although the procedure is carried out in the X-ray Department, you will be required to bring your child to the Children’s Ward before your appointment time. This will allow your child to be given some medication to make them sleepy and reduce any stress. To carry out this test, we will need to insert a catheter (small plastic tube) into your child’s urethra. A nurse or doctor will do this. The medication will reduce the stress for your child, and allow us to insert the catheter. Please speak to the referring doctor if you have any queries. In the X-ray Department Your child will be asked to lie down on the X-ray table and the bladder will then be filled with contrast (through the catheter), which will show up on the X-ray. When the bladder is full the catheter is removed and X-ray images are taken as the bladder empties spontaneously. We will watch what is happening on the X-ray monitor and images will be taken at intervals during the procedure. You will return to the Children’s Ward and when they are happy that your child is fully awake you will be allowed home. When do you get the results? You will get the results from your child’s consultant at their next outpatient appointment. Advice for parents When booking the appointment, please mention whether your child has a heart condition so that special arrangements can be made. urinary tract infection for the two weeks prior to the test. Your child should take antibiotics before and after the examination according to the doctor’s instructions. Micturating Cystogram ref 10291 Review 08/2015 Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids for 24 hours after the test so as to flush the bladder. Your child may be a little sore when they go to the toilet for the rest of the day, but this sensation will go away quickly. Urine might be bloodstained in the 24 hours following the test, but it will return to normal. If your child is unwell, such as a fever, continuous blood-stained urine or blood clot, you should ring the ward and discuss this with the nurse in charge. Remember, your child will feel more comfortable if a parent or carer stays with them during the examination. However, women who are pregnant should not stay in the room while the X-rays are being taken. Any queries Children’s Ward Phone: 01625 661080 or 661084 X-Ray Department Phone: 01625 661372 Appointment queries: Phone: 01625 661372 Micturating Cystogram ref 10291 Review 08/2015 Comments, compliments or complaints We welcome any suggestions you have about the quality of our care and our services. Contact us: Freephone: 0800 1613997 Phone: 01625 661449 Textphone: 01625 663723 Customer Care, Reception, Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Road, SK10 3BL For large print, audio, Braille version or translation contact Communications and Engagement on 0800 195 494. Admission information The trust accepts no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, personal property of any kind, in whatever way the loss or damage may occur, unless deposited for safe custody. Please leave valuables at home. If you need to bring personal items that are expensive, for example micro hearing aids, please be aware that you do so at your own risk East Cheshire NHS Trust is committed to ensuring ethat patients and staff will always be treated with dignity and respect. There will be no age, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation or religious discrimination NHS Direct (part of NHS Choices) is a 24 hr phone advice service providing confidential health advice and information. Phone: 0845 4647 (Textphone 0845 606 46 47) www.nhs.uk Micturating Cystogram ref 10291 Review 08/2015