Radiographic technique using high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) that bounce
off body tissues and are recorded to produce an image of an internal organ or tissue;
also called ultrasound and echo
US provides images of urinary tract structures and detects such abnormalities as tumors,
obstructions, and polycystic kidney disease. It also helps measure postvoid residual urine
(urine that remains in the bladder after urinating).
Physical, chemical, and microscopic evaluation of urine
Radiography of the bladder and urethra while the bladder fills and empties
VCUG involves placement of a radiopaque liquid (that can be seen on x-ray) in the
bladder through a catheter. Radiographs taken before, during, and after voiding reveal
interior abnormalities of the urethra and bladder and help determine whether urine
flow is normal when the bladder empties.
Medical and Surgical Procedures
Insertion of a catheter (hollow flexible tube) into a body cavity or organ to instill a
substance or remove fluid, most commonly through the urethra into the bladder to
withdraw urine (See Fig. 7–10.)
Catheters are available in two basic types: a straight catheter, which is used only for
short-term drainage, and a Foley catheter, which is used for short-term and long-term
(indwelling) drainage.
Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 7 309309
ultrasonography (US)
ŭl-tră-sŏn-ŎG-ră-fē
-ultra: excess, beyond
son/o: sound
-graphy: process of
recording
voiding cystourethrogra-
phy (VCUG)
sĭs-tō-ū-rē-THRŎG-ră-fē
cyst/o: bladder
urethr/o: urethra
-graphy: process of
recording
urinalysis
ū-rĭ-NĂL-ĭ-sĭs
catheterization (Cath)
kăth-ĕ-tĕr-ĭ-ZĀ-shŭn
