IVP - TBRHSC

ivp An Intravenous Pyelogram (I.V.P.) is a test which is performed in the X-Ray Department. It is an x-ray that takes pictures of the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes that pass from your kidneys to your bladder), and your bladder.

Preparation

If you are diabetic your appointment should be the first one of the day, please inform your technologist.
Notify the technologist if you are diabetic and taking the medication metformin, as blood test results will need to be checked.
Notify the technologist if you have any allergies (especially to iodine or seafood) or if you have asthma, hay fever or a heart condition.
Do not eat or drink anything after 10:00 p.m. the night before the test and until the test is complete.
You may continue to take any prescribed medication with a small amount of water.
You will be asked to put on a hospital gown.
You will be asked to sign a consent form.
You will be asked to empty your bladder (void) before you start the exam.
Do not wear jewelry to your appointment.
Children may not be left unattended in the Waiting Room.

Procedure

In the X-Ray Department you will be asked to lie on a special table.
An x-ray dye will be injected into a vein in your arm.
After the injection of the contrast agent you may feel warm and flushed, and have a metallic or salty taste in your mouth, or feel nauseated. This will go away after a few minutes.
If you feel itchy, have difficulty breathing, have a tightness in your chest or have other unusual symptoms, tell the technologist immediately.
At times you may be asked to hold your breath.
You may be asked to void before the last x-ray film is taken.
This test takes about 45 minutes on average. Delayed films may be requested and you will be asked to return to the department.

After the test

Return to your normal diet and activity.
Drink enough fluids to replace those lost as you were preparing for the test.
If you develop hives, skin rashes or swelling, notify radiology or go to the emergency department.