Cystography

You may have a cystography test as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.

You’ll be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that might get in the way of the test.

You’ll be asked to remove clothing and given a gown to wear.

You’ll be asked to empty your bladder before the test.

You will lie on your back on the X-ray table.

The healthcare provider will put a thin tube (catheter) into your bladder. They’ll use this to inject the contrast dye into the bladder.

The provider will take an X-ray of the kidney, ureter, and bladder to make sure they can see the urinary system. For men, the provider may put a lead shield over the testes to protect the gonads from the X-rays.

The provider will inject the contrast dye into the bladder through the catheter. They’ll clamp the catheter tubing to keep the dye from draining out of the bladder.

The provider will take X-rays while the dye is injected and afterward. You may be asked to change position for different X-ray views of the urinary system.

If you’re having a voiding cystography, the provider will remove the catheter and you’ll be asked to urinate. The provider will take X-ray or fluoroscopy films while you urinate. You may be allowed to sit or stand if you’re not able to urinate while lying down.

If you’re not having a voiding cystography, the provider will remove the catheter after all the X-ray views have been taken.