Nuclear Ureteral Reflux

Your physician has referred you to the Diagnostic Services Department at United Hospital Center for a procedure known as Ureteral Reflux Imaging.

Ureteral reflux is commonly found in children with a history of recurrent UTI (urinary tract infection).

Upon arriving in the Diagnostic Services Department, you will be asked to empty your bladder completely before the examination. You will then be asked to lie on a cart flat on your back. A Foley catheter will be inserted into the bladder. The nuclear camera will be positioned under the cart with your bladder in the center. A small amount of radioactive material will be injected directly into the bladder via the infusion tubing connected to the Foley catheter. Normal saline will be infused into your bladder until you feel the urge to urinate. At this point images will be taken of the bladder and ureters to see if there were reflux (backing-up) of fluid into the ureters. After these images are completed the technologist will have you sit up on a bedpan with the camera behind you. The Foley catheter will then be removed and you will be asked to empty your bladder and an image will be taken as you void. The study will be complete after this image.

LENGTH: Approximately 1 hour

If you are pregnant, or think you might be, tell your doctor and the technologist BEFORE your exam.