X-ray - Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

An Intravenous Pyelogram is a test to study how the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder) looks and works. It can be used to diagnose symptoms such as blood in the urine or pain in the side or lower back. It is particularly beneficial when looking for blockage due to kidney stones. This exam requires an intravenous injection of contrast dye.

What is X-Ray?

Radiography, known to most people as x-ray, is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. X-ray creates diagnostic images by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the human body, capturing the resulting shadows and reflections on an image receptor.

Patient Preparation

  • Your referring clinician will give you instructions on preparing for your IVP study.  You will be asked to stop eating or drinking at midnight the day prior to your exam and have nothing by mouth until after your study is complete.
  • You should inform your clinician of any medical conditions or recent illness, as well as any allergies to medications or iodinated contrast material.  If you take medications such as glucophage, metformin, or glucovance alert the staff at SSR as you will need specific instructions to follow prior to your exam.
  • Women should always inform SSR staff if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. 

Exam Information

  • When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials to review. To expedite check in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
  • Please wear metal-free clothing to your appointment. Once you arrive, you may be asked to change into a gown before your examination. You may also need to remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that could obscure the images.
  • The technologist will review your history and explain the procedure. You will be positioned on the table on your back and instructed to lie still. Scout x-rays will be taken of the kidneys and blader. An IV will be placed into the patient's arm or hand through which iodine containing constrast material will be injected. The contrast material is processed by the kidneys making them appear bright white on the images.
  • A series of timed images is taken to watch the progression of contrast from kidneys to bladder. During the exam, you will be asked to roll on the table to allow different views to be taken. A compression band may be placed around the abdomen to better visualize the kidneys and ureters. Near the end of the exam, you will be asked to empty your bladder. The contrast materials will not color your urine or cause discomfort. Then an additional image will be taken to see how well the bladder empties.
  • A radiologist will review your images and determine if any additional images are necessary. The study is usually completed within an hour but, occasionally, the exam may take longer due to some kidneys emtying at a slower rate.  

What will I experience during the procedure?

An IVP is usually tolerated well by patients.  You will feel the insertion of the IV into your skin, similar to a blood draw.  When the contrast material is injected, some patients may experience a warm flush feeling throughout their body as well as a metallic taste in their mouth.  These symptoms are harmless and should disappear within a couple of minutes.  Although rare, some patients can experience a reaction to the contrast material; symptoms could include itching, rash or nausea.  Extremely rare would be a reaction that could include swelling of the throat or shortness of breath.  Inform the technologist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

History of previous exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Results

Results will be dictated by the Radiologist who performed your exam and a formal written report will be sent to your referring physician within 2 to 3 days. Your physician will then discuss these results with you.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your physician given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for additional information regarding scheduling an appointment.

More Information?

For more information about these and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.