Urologic Tests for Children

These are common tests done to diagnose urinary problems. Your child’s health care provider will tell you which tests your child needs.

• Blood tests. Help check for signs of infection, kidney disease, or other problems. The tests are done using a blood sample taken from a vein.

• CT scan. Takes detailed X-ray pictures of the bones, soft tissues, and organs inside the body. The pictures can help check for problems in the urinary tract. These can include kidney stones and blockages.

• Cystoscopy. Lets the health care provider look inside the urethra and bladder. It uses a long, narrow scope with a camera attached. The urologist fills the bladder with fluid and looks at detailed images of the urethra and bladder linings on a computer monitor.

• Diuretic renal scan. Takes pictures of the kidneys. It helps check if there is a blockage in the kidneys. It also shows how well each kidney works. For the test, a small amount of radioactive material is used. A water pill (diuretic) is also given. This medicine helps move urine through the kidneys to the bladder.

• Genitogram. Takes X-ray pictures of the belly (abdomen) and pelvis. It's done to study reproductive structures. A tube (catheter) and special dye are used.

• KUB (kidney, ureter, bladder). Takes X-ray pictures of the inside of the belly and pelvis. This lets the health care provider check for problems in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones. Constipation can also be diagnosed with a KUB.

• MRI. Uses strong magnets to make detailed pictures of soft tissues and organs. The pictures help show problems, such as kidney stones and blockages. No radiation is used.

• Radionuclide cystogram. Helps identify any problems found in the ureters and bladder. Creates pictures of the bladder. It helps check for reflux. This problem causes urine to back up into the kidneys. A catheter and a small amount of radioactive material are used for the test.

• Radionuclide renal scan. Takes pictures of the kidney and checks its blood flow and urine production and how well it works. It also checks for scarring and other problems in the kidneys. A small amount of radioactive material is used.

• Spinal MRI. Takes a detailed picture of the spine. It's most often used to help check for spina bifida. This is a problem with the spine that keeps the nerves of the bladder from working correctly.

• Ultrasound. Uses sound waves to create pictures. It helps find problems in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones and blockages.

• Urinalysis. Checks a sample of urine. It helps find problems, such as proteins or blood in the urine, infection, and kidney disease.

• Urine culture and sensitivity. Helps find out which germs are the cause of a urinary tract infection and which medicines are the best treatment.

• Urodynamics study. Uses tests to show how well the bladder works to hold and release urine. These tests are often used to see if your child has problems holding or passing urine. This study can include:

  • Uroflowmetry. Measures the speed and amount of urine as your child urinates. It can show if your child's bladder muscles are weak or if urine flow is blocked.

  • Cystometry. Measures the pressure inside the bladder as it fills and empties. It can also show if your child's bladder contracts when it’s not supposed to, causing urine to leak.

  • Electromyography. Measures the pressure inside the sphincter muscles as they open and close to allow the bladder to fill and empty. It is done if the urinary problem is likely to be caused by nerve or muscle damage.

  • Pressure flow study. Measures the pressure and flow of urine as it leaves your child’s bladder. It can help show any bladder outlet blockage.

  • Post-void residual urine volume. Measures how much urine is left in the bladder after urination. A catheter or ultrasound is used to measure the amount.

• Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). Uses X-ray or ultrasound to take pictures and videos of the bladder and urethra while it fills and empties during urination. It can show how well the bladder works. A catheter and special dye are used for the test.