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What is an IVP?
An IVP is a special x-ray exam of your kidneys and other parts of your urinary system. This includes your ureters (the tubes leading from the kidneys) and your bladder. Another name for this test it "IV urogram."
What about my Medications?
If you need regular medications on the morning of your test, take them with water.
I have diabetes. Are there special instructions for me?
If you are a diabetic and take insulin or another medicine for diabetes, please check with you doctor to see if your medicine will have to be adjusted while you are not eating.
For patients on Glucophage®/Glucovance®, or Metaglip™ or Avandimet™ therapy and undergoing procedures involving intravenous administration of contrast, the information, released by the drug manufacturers state that they "should be stopped at the time of, or prior to the procedure."
Then, they should be withheld for 48 hours after the procedure. Once renal function is found to be normal, medication therapy can be started again.
Your referring physician will be informed of these conditions prior to your study. You should then refer to your physician's instructions for restarting this medication therapy.
What else do I need to do to know?
- If you have asthma or any allergies to foods or medications, be sure to tell the people who are doing your exam. Also, be sure to tell them about any reactions to x-ray dye you've had in the past. Tell them even if you think the information is on your record, or you think they already know about it. This is for your safety. You will be getting a dye for this test, and some people who have allergies are also allergic to the dye.
What Will Happen During the Test?
First, a technologist will take a "test" x-ray to see if your bowel is empty enough for the test. If there is a lot of gas or bowel contents over the kidneys, we may have to reschedule your test.
We will give you a special x-ray dye through the IV. This dye will outline the kidneys and urinary system so we can see them on x-ray. This will show the radiologist (the doctor who reads the x-rays) how well your kidneys are working, and the structure of your urinary system.
After the injection, we will take a number of x-rays. Each time, your will be asked to hold your breath for a brief period. After the radiologist has seen your bladder fill with dye, we will ask you to go to the bathroom to urinate. Then, we will look at your empty bladder on x-ray.
Will it hurt?
No. However, some people experience a mild feeling of warmth or coolness with the injection. Others experience a "metal" taste. If you experience nausea or breathing difficulties, please inform the technologist.
How long will the exam take?
The exam takes about one hour. Occasionally, more time is necessary when we need to take delayed films.
When may I eat?
In most cases, you may eat as soon as the exam is over.
How will I learn the results?
Your doctor will discuss the results with you.
How do I prepare for this exam?
In order to see the kidneys well on X-ray, we need to "clean out" the bowel.
Upon scheduling this exam, the patient will be instructed to pick up a prep kit from our office. This kit includes four laxative tablets, and a dietary prep that needs to be started the day before the exam (See Barium Enema diet prep).
- Drink as much clear fluid as you can during the evening. Clear fluid includes: water, apple juice, and tea/coffee without milk or cream. But stop eating solid food after 8 pm.
- On the day of the test, you should have clear liquids; no solid foods. We encourage you to drink clear liquids prior to the test.
- If you have a history of severe allergies of asthma, you may be asked to take some medicine called prednisone before your scan. Please ask your doctor for more information.
Special note:
If you have asthma or any allergies to foods or medications, be sure to inform the technologist and the radiologist before the test.
Each type of imaging exam has its' own guidelines. Special instructions for your exam will be given at the time of scheduling. For certain procedures, we will contact you 24-48 hours prior to your exam with preparation-specific instructions.
The following are a few general guidelines that apply to
every imaging exam:
Notify your physician and our staff if there is any chance that you may be pregnant or are currently breastfeeding.
Discuss any special needs - such as dietary and/or physical limitations with us in advance.
Check with us in advance about recovery time or if a driver is needed so you can make necessary arrangements with work and family.
Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing; be prepared to change into a patient gown if necessary.
Arrive early to verify your registration information and provide further health information for your exam.
Bring prior x-rays or scans with you to the exam if you are instructed to do so.