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IVP (Intravenous Pyelography)

An Intravenous Pyelography (IVP) uses X-rays and contrast material (dye) to produce an image of your urinary tract, which includes your kidneys, ureters and bladder.  This procedure is usually performed when you experience kidney pain, blood in the urine, kidney stones, tumor or injury.

Preparation:  To get the best images of your urinary system, your colon must be clean.  This will mean taking a laxative preparation, usually the evening before your exam.  You will be asked to drink clear liquids and to not take anything by mouth after midnight.  An instruction sheet will be given to you at your doctor's office or they will send you to our department to pick one up.  If you are a diabetic, please check with your doctor to see if your medication needs to be adjusted while you are fasting.  If you take Glucophage for diabetes, you will be asked not to take it for 48 hours after you have been given contrast material.

Procedure:  A technologist will take a scout film to see if your bowel is clean enough for the test.  A technologist will inject contrast material through an IV line in your arm. The IV will remain in place for the length of the test.  After the injection, a series of X-rays will be taken while you are lying on the x-ray table.  When the kidneys, ureter and bladder have all been visualized, you will be asked to empty your bladder, after which, an additional film of your bladder will be taken.  The contrast is expelled when you urinate.  It will not discolor your urine.  You should increase your fluid intake for a day or two following the examination.  Your films will be read by a radiologist who will send a report to your doctor.