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Uroradiology refers to radiology of the urinary tract. At NU Hospitals, IVU, MCU and RGU are the uroradiology tests performed:
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IVU (Intravenous Urography Examination): An IVU is a special x-ray series performed after an initial screening test, such as an
ultrasound of the abdomen, has revealed the presence of some urinary abnormality in the urinary system. This series of special x-rays of your urinary system helps to visualise the entire urinary system. In this examination, a contrast medium that is selectively observed by the kidneys, is used to assess not only the function of the kidneys, but is also used to outline the kidneys, the urinary bladder and the ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys with the urinary bladder), making them show up clearly on the x-ray film.
With this test, it is also possible to assess approximately how well each kidney is functioning. It therefore helps your doctor to make a decision on the type of treatment you require. Depending upon the findings on the x-rays, your doctor may prescribe further tests in order to obtain more details.
The study will be carried out only after assessing the normal function of at least one kidney by way of a blood test called the serum creatinine test.
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MCU (Micturating Cysto-Ureterogram): MCU is a special x-ray procedure performed to evaluate the bladder and the urethra in order to rule out any abnormalities in the bladder neck, narrowing of the urethra, or reflux of urine into the kidneys, etc.
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RGU or ASU (Radio Diagnosis Ascending Urethrogram): is a special x-ray procedure performed to evaluate the urethra in order to rule out any abnormalities such as stricture (narrowing), etc.
An RGU is conducted for patients in whom an abnormality of the urethra is suspected after clinical evaluation and other relevant investigations such as an ultrasound scanning have taken place.
For Further Information:
For more detailed information about these tests, please click here to go to the Patient Guide, a guide for our patients, or click here to go to the Information Resources for patients, which provide detailed information on several nephro-urological conditions and topics. Once you are in the relevant page, please go to the sub-heading 'Uroradiology Tests' in the Patient Guide or to the sub-heading 'Diagnostics' in the Information Resources, and click on the name of any of the following 4 resources: Intravenous Urography Examination (IVU) – Information Resource 1, Intravenous Urography Examination (IVU) – Information Resource 2, Micturating Cysto-Ureterogram (MCU), or Radio Diagnosis Ascending Urethrogram (RGU or ASU), to learn more about them.
In addition, you can also visit UrologyHealth.org (http://www.urologyhealth.org/) – a patient education site written and reviewed by urology experts in partnership with the American Urological Association Foundation.
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