Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) Exam
Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is An IVP?
• Why Is An IVP Examination Performed?
• What Can I Expect During An IVP Examination?
• How Long Will By IVP Examination Take?
• Is The IVP Examination Safe?
• Do I Need A Referral (Prescription) To Have My IVP Examination?
• When Can I Eat And Drink After My Examination?
• When Will I Know The Results Of My Examination?
• What Should I Do to Prepare for a IVP Exam?

What Is An IVP?

An 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 Examination 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 Examination?

First, a technologist will take a preliminary x-ray of your abdomen before the injection of x-ray dye. An IV (intravenous) will then be started in your arm and the dye will then be given through the IV. 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 Examination Take?

The exam takes about one hour. Occasionally, more time is necessary when we need to take delayed films.

Is The IVP Examination 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 Examination?

Yes, your doctor must provide a referral (prescription) in order for you to receive a examination. In addition, some insurance carriers or HMO’s require a precertification. Please discuss this with your doctor and your insurance company or HMO prior to your test.

When Can I Eat And Drink After My Examination?

In most cases, you may eat as soon as the exam is over.

When Will I Know The Results Of My Examination?

A Radiologist will review your study before you leave the Center to determine if the information is complete. Preliminary results will be sent promptly to your physician and a detailed written report of the procedure, findings, and results will follow within several days. Your physician will then call you to discuss the results. Urgent results will be telephoned immediately to your doctor.

What Should I Do to Prepare for a IVP Exam?

If you are diabetic, and on 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 ten ounce bottle of magnesium citrate. Sometime between 6:00 and 8:00pm the evening before the exam take either four (4) Dulcolax tablets or the 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.