Radionuclide cystogram

Alternative names:

bladder scan

What the risks are:

Risks are essentially the same as for X-rays (radiation) and catheterization of the bladder.

There is a small amount of radiation exposure with any nuclear scan (it comes from the radioisotope, not the scanner). The radiation is very mild and virtually all radiation is gone in a short time. However, any radiation exposure is discouraged for women who are (or might be) pregnant.

Risks for catheterization include a risk for causing a urinary tract infection and the risk (rare, but may occur) of damage to the urethra, bladder, or other nearby structures.

Special considerations:

This test is very useful to provide information about how the bladder responds to pressure, without exposure to radiographic contrast materials.