I.V.P. (Intravenous Pyelogram)
WHAT IS IT?
An I.V.P. is an x-ray examination of your kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder. The
examination will allow us to evaluate the condition and function of your urinary system.
WHERE WILL IT BE DONE?
In the Radiology Department.
WHO WILL DO THE EXAM?
The x-ray will be taken by a trained Registered Technologist.
HOW LONG WILL THE EXAM TAKE?
The exam will take approximately 30-45 minutes, unless delay images are necessary.
WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO TO ME?
You will be escorted into an x-ray room where you will lie on your back on the table.
After you have been dressed in a hospital gown with no metal in the abdomen area.(Be
sure to empty your bladder before the exam begins.) The Technologist will ask you
several routine questions. Be sure to inform them of any allergies you have or if you
have ever had an I.V.P. elsewhere. Preliminary images will be taken to see the kidneys
without the contrast media.
The Technologist will inject the contrast media x-ray (dye) in your vein usually in your
arm. When the dye is being injected, you may experience a warm, flushing feeling of
your face. Sometimes there is a salty or metallic taste in your mouth. This is all normal.
You may also feel nauseated, but if you feel anything else, let the Technologist know
immediately.
After the contrast has been injected we will start a series of imaging at different time
intervals. You will then be sent to the bathroom to empty your bladder. The
Technologist will take one more image with you standing to see how well you excrete the
contrast.
WHAT NEXT?
If no other images are necessary, you will be finished with this exam.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP DURING THE EXAM?
Relax! Inform the Technologist of any allergies to drugs, food(such as shell fish),
chemicals, pollen, or hay fever. If you have a past history of hay fever, hives, or reaction
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to any other intravenous injections of medications or iodine, inform the Technologist.
This history is extremely important? Answer any questions they ask as accurately as you
can.
PREGNANT? MAYBE?
Please inform the Technologist even if you might be pregnant. Remember, this
information is confidential.
CAN I EAT OR DRINK BEFORE THIS EXAM?
You will not be permitted to eat or drink after midnight the night before your test. A
bowel prep will be given , such as mag ciltrate, will be taken the evening before.
Your test is scheduled on ____________________________at ____________________.
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