Diagnosis of Vesicoureteral Reflux
1. Imaging tests
Before you and your child’s doctor decide to use urinary tract imaging to diagnose VUR in your child, a doctor considers the child’s

age
symptoms
family history of VUR
sexual activity level in an older child

Doctors use the following imaging tests, or tests to see organs inside the body, to help diagnose VUR

Abdominal ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to look inside the body without exposing your child to x-ray radiation. An ultrasound of the abdomen, called an abdominal ultrasound, can create images of the entire urinary tract, including the kidneys and bladder. An ultrasound can show whether a child’s kidneys or ureters are dilated, or widened. During this painless test, your child lies on a padded table. A technician gently moves a wand called a transducer over your child’s belly and back. No anesthesia  is needed. Ultrasound may be used to look for kidney and urinary tract problems after a child has had a UTI.

Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). A VCUG uses x-rays of the bladder and urethra to show if urine flows backward into the ureters. To perform the test, a technician uses a small catheter to fill your child’s bladder with a special dye. The technician then takes x-rays before, during, and after your child urinates. A VCUG uses only a small amount of radiation. Anesthesia is not needed, but the doctor may offer your child a calming medicine, called a sedative.

2. Lab tests
Health care professionals often test a urine sample, which is called urinalysis, to screen for a UTI. White blood cells and bacteria in the urine can be signs of a UTI. A urine culture is needed to confirm a UTI.