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Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
This is an abbreviated version of the complete article.*
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| Basic Facts |
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An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a test that uses special contrast material (dye) and moving x rays to view the bladder, kidneys, and ureters. |
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An IVP may be used to help physicians evaluate problems in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate. |
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IVP is relatively safe and painless and typically takes about 1 hour to complete. |
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An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a relatively safe and painless test that is used to examine the bladder, kidneys, and ureters. In an IVP, contrast material (dye) is injected into the patient's vein while the physician takes pictures of the internal organs with a type of video x ray called fluoroscopy. The contrast material highlights the organs of the urinary tract so they can be viewed during the test.
An IVP is typically performed to identify a blockage of the flow of urine and help physicians evaluate problems in the urinary tract.
PRE-TEST GUIDELINES
The patient should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam. He or she may also be asked to take a mild laxative the day before the test to clear the body of stool or intestinal gas that could block the view of the urinary organs.
The physician will advise the patient whether to stop taking any medications prior to the test. The patient should tell the physician if they have any allergies. The patient should also remove any jewelry, eyeglasses, and other metal objects that could interfere with the x ray images.
Women who are or may be pregnant should not undergo IVP because of the exposure to radiation. People with kidney disease or failure should also not have an IVP.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The patient urinates immediately before the exam so that the bladder is empty and lies face up on a table underneath a suspended box-like structure that contains the x ray tube and fluoroscopic equipment.
Next, contrast material is injected into a vein in the patient's arm or hand. More images are taken as the contrast material moves through the urinary tract, highlighting the organs so that the physician can view them in action. The test usually lasts about 1 hour but can take longer if the patient's kidneys are slow to empty.
POST-TEST GUIDELINES
The patient can resume normal activities after an IVP, including eating, drinking, and taking prescribed medications.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Complications from an IVP are rare but can include:
- Minor reactions to the contrast material;
- Severe allergic reactions to the contrast; and
- Kidney failure.
Medical Review Date: September 15, 2009
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