Finding the right tests…
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Finding the right tests…
CT Scan
CT urography images your entire urinary tract in one study: the kidneys, the ureters carrying urine down to the bladder, and the bladder itself. The scan uses contrast dye injected into a vein and is taken in multiple phases as the dye passes through the kidneys and into the urine, so the whole system is captured at different stages. It is used mainly to investigate unexplained blood in the urine, known as hematuria, and to look for tumours in the urinary tract, including cancers of the lining of the kidney, ureter, or bladder. This is a different, more detailed study than a basic scan of the kidneys alone.
This scan follows contrast dye through your kidneys, ureters, and bladder in several phases, showing the shape of the kidneys, any blockage or stone, and the lining of the urinary tract. Your report describes findings in each part of the urinary system and flags anything that needs further follow-up.
CT urography is built to capture the whole urinary tract, not just the kidneys. After a contrast dye injection, images are taken at several time points as the dye moves from the kidneys, down the ureters, and into the bladder, so each part of the tract is seen clearly.
- Unexplained blood in the urine, whether visible or found on a urine test - Suspected cancer of the kidney, ureter, or bladder lining - Follow-up after treatment for a urinary tract cancer - Investigating recurrent urinary tract symptoms alongside other tests
A standard scan of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder mainly checks for stones and looks at the kidneys themselves. CT urography goes further, using multiple contrast phases to trace the full length of the urinary tract and look closely at its lining, which matters most when cancer is a concern.
This scan uses iodine-based contrast dye, so tell your doctor about any past contrast reaction or kidney condition before your appointment. Because it involves more than one imaging phase, the radiation exposure is generally higher than a single-phase CT. Tell the centre if you are or might be pregnant.
Contrast dye takes time to pass through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Multiple phases let the radiologist see each part of the urinary tract clearly as the dye moves through it.
No. A basic kidney scan mainly checks for stones and looks at the kidneys. CT urography traces the entire urinary tract using contrast dye, which matters more when cancer or unexplained bleeding is being investigated.
It is commonly ordered for blood in the urine, whether visible or picked up on a urine test, and to check for tumours of the urinary tract. Your doctor can explain the reason in your case.
Because images are taken in multiple phases, the radiation exposure is generally higher than a single-phase scan. Your doctor orders it when this detail is needed.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
Tell your doctor about any kidney condition beforehand, since the contrast dye is filtered by the kidneys. They may adjust the approach.
It provides detailed images of the urinary tract that help your doctor assess for tumours, but diagnosis usually needs further tests such as a biopsy. Ask your doctor about your specific results.
Preparation, including fluid intake before the scan, can vary by centre. Ask your doctor or the centre for instructions.