Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
An IVP is an examination of the urinary system. This consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. An IVP is used to diagnose a wide variety of disorders including frequent urination, blood in the urine, infection, kidney stones, tumors, injury and pain in the lower back or side. An IVP requires the use of contrast material or dye to enhance the X-ray images. This contrast material contains iodine and is injected into your body through a vein. This allows the radiologist to review the anatomy and function of the kidneys and urinary tract. A small amount of radiation is used with an IVP, but the benefits outweigh the risks of any radiation exposure.
A prescription from your health care provider is required for this procedure. Please bring it with you.
The IVP study helps to detect:
- Kidney stones
- Enlarged prostate
- Tumors in the kidneys, urethra and bladder
To prepare for the IVP procedure:
- Follow the Fleet 3 Prep Kit instructions you receive when you make your appointment.
- If you are 65 years or older, a laboratory test called a creatinine level is taken to determine kidney function. The result of this lab test MUST be available to the radiology staff prior to examination.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your exam.
- Wear comfortable clothing without snaps or metal buttons.
Inform the technologist of:
- Medications you are currently taking
- Recent illnesses or medical conditions
- If there is any possibility of pregnancy
How the procedure is performed:
- An IVP is usually performed on an outpatient basis and is scheduled in the morning to reduce the patient’s fasting time.
- The radiologic technologist will take a history from the patient regarding allergies or reactions to contrast material. IF YOU HAVE HAD A PREVIOUS REACTION TO IODINATED CONTRAST MATERIAL, PLEASE INFORM THE RADIOLOGY STAFF AT TIME OF SCHEDULING.
- The patient is positioned on the X-ray table and preliminary images are taken. These images are used to determine if the bowel is sufficiently clean enough to proceed with the examination.
- An abdominal compression device may be applied prior to the injection of the contrast media to allow better visualization of the urinary tract.
- The contrast material is then injected into the patient’s arm and a series of images are taken to determine size and function of the kidneys and to follow the contrast through the ureters into the urinary bladder.
- This procedure usually is completed within an hour, but may last up to several hours.
What to expect during an IVP:
- An IVP is a painless procedure.
- You may experience a warm feeling in your body and a metallic taste in your mouth after the injection of contrast material. These common side effects usually disappear within a few minutes after the injection and are harmless.
- Itching that persists or is accompanied by hives can be treated with medication.
- In rare cases, a patient may become short of breath or experience swelling in the throat or other parts of the body. These can be indications of a more serious reaction to the contrast media that should be treated promptly. Tell the technologist immediately if you experience these symptoms.
- At the end of the exam, you will be asked to empty your bladder so that an additional X-ray can be obtained to evaluate the urinary bladder after it empties.
What to expect after the IVP:
- The contrast material used during the IVP procedure is eliminated in your urine.
- There should be no discoloring or discomfort when you urinate.
- IF YOU EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS AFTER YOUR EXAMINATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
- A board-certified radiologist will analyze the IVP images and send a signed report to your primary care and/or referring provider, who will share the results with you.
Benefits of an IVP:
- Minimally invasive procedure with rare complications.
- Provides valuable detailed information to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating urinary tract conditions from kidney stones to cancer.
- Can often provide enough information about kidney stones and obstructions to direct treatment with medication and avoid more invasive surgical procedures.
- No radiation remains in the body after an X-ray examination.
- X-rays usually have no side effects.
Risks of an IVP:
- There is always a small risk of cancer from radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.
- Contrast materials used in IVP studies can cause adverse reactions in some people.
- WOMEN SHOULD ALWAYS INFORM THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF THERE IS ANY POSSIBILITY OF PREGNANCY PRIOR TO SCHEDULING THIS PROCEDURE.