THE MEDICAL IMAGING EXPERIENCE
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
INTRAVENOUS PYELOGRAM (IVP)

WHAT IS IT?
An IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram) is an x-ray of your kidneys, ureters (tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and the bladder.

To see the function of the kidneys and the flow of urine to the bladder a dye (contrast media) that is visible on x-rays is injected into the blood stream and x-rays are taken as the dye is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
You will be escorted to an x-ray room. The technologist will assist you to lie on the x-ray table. After an initial x-ray picture, the technologist will prepare the contrast media for injection. The radiologist (physician) will inject the contrast media into the vein of your arm. Following the injection, a series of x-rays will be taken every few minutes over the next 20 minutes. The radiologist will review the x-rays as they are taken. A pressure band may need to be placed across your abdomen during the exam. The pressure band helps to collect the dye in your kidneys for better pictures. X-rays may be taken from different angles and after you have emptied your bladder at the end of the exam.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TEST TAKE?
The IVP exam takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. You will be in the x-ray room for about one (1) hour so that preparations for the exam can be completed.

WHAT WILL I FEEL -- WILL IT HURT?
You may feel a slight needle prick as the needle is inserted into the vein of your arm to inject the dye. You may also feel a general warming sensation once the dye is injected. You will also feel pressure across your abdomen while the pressure band is in place. The x-ray room lights may be turned down during the exam so that the technologist can see the x-ray alignment lights.

WHAT WILL THE TEST SHOW?
The IVP will show the function of your kidneys, the flow of urine from your kidneys to the bladder and the collection of urine in the bladder. Abnormal conditions in the urinary system caused by disease, tumors, stones or trauma can be identified.

HOW DO I GET READY?
To best visualize the urinary system, you bowels must be empty of stool. You will be instructed to follow a light diet the day before your exam and to take a laxative that will help you empty your bowels before the exam. You will be given a hospital gown to wear so that the x-ray pictures are not obstructed by buttons, belts, snaps, etc., on your clothes.

Reviewed: May 2005