Overview

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 is "IV urogram."

Preparation for Your Exam

In order to see the kidneys well on X-ray, we need to "clean out" the bowel.  We ask that you follow this simple diet:

On the day before your exam, eat a light lunch and dinner.  An example of a light meal would be: clear soup, plain chicken or turkey, broiled meat, mashed potatoes, and Jell-O.  Do not eat heavy food or roughage.

At your drug store, buy a 10 ounce bottle of magnesium citrate.  You do not need a prescription. Drink it at 8 pm on the night before your test.

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 exam, do not eat solid food. You may continue to drink clear liquids up until 3 hours before your appointment.

If you have a history of severe allergies or 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 are scheduled for any other test on the same day, please be sure to ask if there are any dietary requirements.  If there are, please consult your doctor or call the radiology department.
If you have asthma or any allergies to foods or medications, be sure to inform the technologist and the radiologist before the test.

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.

If you are taking Glucophage (metformin), for diabetes, please be sure to tell the person doing your exam.  You will be given special instructions about your medication.

What Else Do I Need to Do or 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.

If you have been scheduled for any other X-ray test on the same day as your IVP, call the radiology department to make sure one test will not interfere with the other. 

During The Exam

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.  If not, we will start an IV (intravenous) line in your arm.  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, you 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.

After the exam

When may I eat?
In most cases, you may eat as soon as the exam is over.