Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
An IVP is an x-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder. During an x-ray, a small amount of radiation is passed through the body and the reflections and shadows created by the organs in the body are captured on film. During an IVP it is the reflections and shadows created by a contrast agent that are captured on film. The contrast agent is injected into the patient and its progress through the urinary tract is recorded on a series of quickly captured images.
If you are having an IVP exam done, you should tell the radiologist or technologist about any allergies to food or medications, as well as any recent illnesses or medical conditions you may have. If you are diabetic, make sure to notify the technologist of your condition and the medications you take. Asthma, a heart condition, kidney problems or thyroid problems should also be mentioned to the technologist. Women should always inform their technologist if they are or could be pregnant.
You will likely be asked not to eat or drink after midnight on the night before an IVP exam. You may also be asked to take a mild laxative (in either pill or liquid form) the night before the study. Follow your doctor's instructions. Once you arrive at the Medical Center, you will be asked to change into a patient gown and to remove jewelry, eyeglasses or any metal objects that could obscure the film. The equipment used for an IVP consists of a large flat table with an arm for the x-ray tube suspended above. The tube moves on a jointed arm so it can be positioned. After you are positioned on the table, the contrast agent is injected, normally into a vein in the arm. Aside from the sting of the injection, the IVP is painless. Some people report a flush of heat or a metallic taste in the mouth, but these sensations disappear within a minute or two and are no cause for alarm. Nursing mothers should wait 24 hours after contrast injection to resume nursing.
As the agent is processed by the kidneys, a series of images is captured to determine the progress of the agent. A typical IVP study takes about 30 minutes.
After the IVP is completed, the radiologist will analyze the films and send a signed copy of his or her interpretation to your physician. Your physician will inform you of the results.
