An intravenous pyelogram or IVP is a functional X-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder.

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam time.
• Wear comfortable two-piece clothing. Please understand we will have you change into a set of scrubs for your exam.
• Jewelry, including piercings, must be removed prior to your study. Patients are encouraged to leave all jewelry at home.

Please follow the following preparation instructions carefully:

• If you are 70 years of age or older and have kidney disease, a transplant, diabetes or chemotherapy, you must have Creatinine and BUN labs drawn within the last 30 days.
• Take two Ducolax tablets at 6 p.m. the evening prior to your study.
• After midnight, the evening before your study, take nothing but clear liquids.
• It is recommended to drink a minimum of 17oz of water prior to the exam unless on fluid restrictions.
• If under six months of age, consume only clear liquid four hours prior to study.

For your safety, please notify our scheduling department and technologists:

• If you are allergic to iodine
• If you are diabetic
• If you believe you may be pregnant

During your visit, a patient advocate will show you to the changing area and can assist you if necessary. Our changing rooms offer secure lockers, but we encourage patients to leave valuables at home. Once changed, our patient advocate will guide you to a waiting area where you will find a selection of magazines and newspapers.

The technologist is specially trained and certified by the American Registry of Radiological Technologists. During the study, the technologist or a nurse will start an IV for the contrast agent, which is used to enhance the X-ray images. When the technologist injects the contrast through your IV, you may feel a flush of warmth, mild itching sensation or experience a metallic taste in your mouth. This is normal and will quickly subside. A series of x-rays will then be taken.

A radiologist will assess abnormalities in the urinary system and how quickly and efficiently your urinary system is functioning. At the conclusion of your exam, you may be asked to empty your bladder while additional X-ray images are taken. This study takes approximately one hour. Depending on your kidney function, your study may take longer.

• You may be asked to wait until the technologist or radiologist reviews your images.
• A sub-specialized radiologist will interpret your images and prepare a diagnostic report for your physician.
• Results are usually made available to your physician in two or three days. If outside comparison studies are required, it may take longer for your results to be made available.
• Your physician will determine how the radiologist's report can be used to develop a treatment plan and speak with you about your results.

An intravenous pyelogram examination helps the physician assess abnormalities in the urinary system, as well as how quickly and efficiently the patient's system is able to handle waste.

The exam is used to help diagnose symptoms such as blood in the urine or pain in the side or lower back.

The IVP exam can enable the radiologist to detect problems within the urinary tract resulting from:

• kidney stones
• enlarged prostate
• tumors in the kidney, ureters or urinary bladder

Source: Radiology Info: April, 7 2008