An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a special x-ray exam of your urinary system including your kidneys, ureters (the tubes leading from the kidneys) and bladder.
Why is an IVP exam performed?
An IVP exam can provide information about the urinary tract that will help diagnose certain diseases or conditions in patients that are experiencing pain, bleeding, changes in urinary habits, or infection.
What can I expect during an IVP exam?
First, a technologist will take a preliminary x-ray of your abdomen before the injection of x-ray dye. An IV (intravenous) line will then be started in your arm and the dye will then be given through the IV line. This dye will outline the kidneys and urinary system so we can see them on x-ray. This will show the radiologist how well your kidneys are working, and the structure of your urinary system.
Some patients experience a mild feeling of warmth or coolness with the injection. Others experience a "metal" taste. If you experience nausea or breathing difficulties, please inform the technologist.
Be sure to tell the technologist about any reactions to x-ray dye you've had in the past. Tell the technologist even if you think the information is on your record, or you think they already know about it. This is for your safety. You will be getting a dye for this test, and some people who have allergies are also allergic to the dye. If you are allergic to the dye the allergy is usually very mild with only several hives. Occasionally patients may have a severe reaction. We use the safest dye available and reactions are extremely rare.
After the injection, we will take a number of x-rays. Each time, your will be asked to hold your breath for a brief period.
After the radiologist has seen your bladder fill with dye, we may ask you to go to the bathroom to urinate. Then, we will look at your empty bladder on x-ray.
How long will by IVP exam take?
The exam takes about one hour. Occasionally, more time is necessary when we need to take delayed films.
Is the IVP exam safe?
Within the medical community there is general agreement that the benefits of performing the tests far outweigh the small amount of radiation associated with these studies.
Scientific advances allow for better images with lower doses of radiation. We continually upgrade our equipment to provide the latest technology and adhere to a strict monitoring and quality assurance program for all equipment.
Prior to any exam, please inform the staff if you are, or think you may be, pregnant.
Do I need a referral (prescription) to have my IVP exam?
Yes, your doctor must provide a referral (prescription) for you to receive an exam. Insurance coverage varies. Please check with your insurance carrier or HMO prior to your IVP exam.
When can I eat and drink after my exam?
In most cases, you may eat as soon as the exam is over.
When will I know the results of my exam?
A detailed written report of the procedure will be sent to the referring physician within 24 hours. Your physician will contact you to discuss the results. Urgent results are telephoned immediately to your doctor who will discuss the results with you.
What should I do to prepare for an IVP exam?
If you are diabetic and taking glucophage and/or glucovance please contact our office as soon as possible.
This exam requires a bowel cleansing. The day before the exam, eat a light lunch and dinner, without any roughage. At your pharmacy, buy Ducolax tablets or a 10-ounce bottle of magnesium citrate. Sometime between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm the evening before the exam take either four (4) Dulcolax tablets or drink the entire bottle of magnesium citrate. On the day of the exam, do not eat solid food. You may drink clear liquids up until 3 hours before your appointment. Essential medication may be taken with a sip of water.
If you have asthma or any known allergies to foods or medications, be sure to tell the technologist who is doing your exam. Also, be sure to tell the technologist about any reactions to x-ray dye you've had in the past. Tell the technologist even if you think the information is on your record, or you think they already know about it. This is for your safety. You will be getting a dye for this test, and some people who have allergies are also allergic to the dye. If you are allergic to the dye the allergy is usually very mild with only several hives. Occasionally patients may have a severe reaction. We use the safest dye available and reactions are extremely rare.
