Contrast-Enhanced Voiding Urosonography (ceVUS)

What is ceVUS? 

CeVUS is a test that uses ultrasound and a special contrast material with tiny gas bubbles to check your child’s kidneys, urethra, and bladder. The contrast material is put into your child’s bladder using a catheter. Images are taken while the bladder fills and as your child urinates (pees). These images help doctors find problems in the urinary system.  

For the procedure your child will lie on a soft bed by themselves or with a caregiver. The ultrasound machine looks like a computer with a small handheld device attached, this is the camera which is called a transducer. The technologist will use the transducer and warm gel to take images of the kidneys and bladder.  

Why is ceVUS done? 

CeVUS helps doctors see how your child’s urinary system works. It checks the bladder’s size and shape. It also looks for issues like blockages or vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), where urine flows back up toward the kidneys. Sometimes this problem only happens when a person is urinating (voiding). That’s the reason why ceVUS must include taking images while the bladder is being emptied.  

Because VUR can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), this test is sometimes recommended after a child has had a UTI. Not all kids who have had UTIs have reflux, but its important to find those who do so it can be treated.  

How do we prepare for ceVUS? 

• Dress your child in comfortable clothes that are easy to remove. 

• Your child will change into a gown for the procedure 

One parent can stay with the child during the exam. Arrange care for siblings. 

What happens during ceVUS? 

CeVUS takes 30-60 minutes. 

Before the procedure: 

• The technologist will explain the exam and ask why it’s being done. 

• Warm gel is used to take initial pictures of the kidneys and bladder. 

During the procedure: 

• Your child will lie on a soft table with legs in a “butterfly” or “frog” position. 

• A nurse will clean the urethral area with iodine-based cleaner. The cleaner may feel a bit cool.  

• A small catheter is placed in the bladder. This might cause some pressure or the feeling like they need to urinate. As a relaxation technique, we will ask your child to “blow out the candles” or take deep breaths.  

• The nurse secures the catheter with tape and connects it to the contrast material bag. 

• The contrast material will flow through the catheter into your child’s bladder. 

• Your child will need to hold the contrast material until the bladder is full. 

• The radiologist will then ask your child to urinate while more images are taken. If your child is unable to urinate the technologist may pour a little warm water to help them urinate. While your child is urinating, the catheter will slide out with no discomfort. A few more images will be taken to complete the test.  

After the exam: 

• Your child can resume normal activities. There are no special instructions.  

We have child life specialists that can help prepare and support your child during the test. They will explain it to them in a way they understand. Our child life specialist can also provide distraction techniques.  

Is ceVUS safe? 

Yes, ultrasound has no known side-effects, and your child will pee the contrast material out. 

How do I get my ceVUS results? 

After the procedure is over the Radiologist will go over the images and will send the report to your ordering physician within 5-7 business days. You will receive your results from your child’s ordering physician.  

Dao, Tuan V. MD

Specialty: Radiology
Appointments: 888-770-2462
Office: 714-509-9160

Dr. Dao is board certified in radiology by the American Board of Radiology with a certificate of added qualification in pediatric radiology.