What is an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)?
An Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) is a x-ray that examines the anatomy and function of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder. IVP is useful for finding the cause of frequent urination, blood in the urine, or the source of pain in the side or lower back. It also detects abnormalities within your urinary tract such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate, and tumors of the kidneys, ureters or urinary bladder.

What is IV (Intravenous) Contrast?
IV contrast is a solution that is injected into your veins and appears very bright white on a CT image. This material allows for enhanced visualization of the joints, organs or organ systems of the body. When IV contrast is injected into a vein you may experience a sensation of being warm or flushed. Some people report a metallic taste in their mouth or experience a mild itching sensation. This is normal and may last 1-2 minutes. IV contrast is filtered from your blood by your kidneys and will be passed, unnoticed, from your body in your urine. You may safely drive home after having IV contrast.

How should I prepare for an IVP?

• Your exam requires that you use a bowel cleansing kit the night before your exam. Stop by Radiology Group Imaging Center and pick up a LiquiPrep kit. Use the instructions included in the kit unless specifically instructed otherwise.
• Do not wear jewelry
• You will be asked to any metal objects that could interfere with the exam.

It is important that you inform the Radiologic Technologist before your exam if:

• You have asthma
• You are allergic to any foods or medications (especially dye or contrast)
• You may be pregnant or breastfeeding
• You are diabetic and taking Glucophage (metformin)
• If you are allergic to IV contrast, please call to talk to our Nurse before the day of your exam, (563) 359-3931.

What will the exam be like?
You will be positioned on an exam table where contrast material will be injected into a vein in your arm. During the imaging process you may be asked to turn from side to side or hold several different positions to enable the technologist to capture views from several angles. As the contrast material is processed by the kidneys a series of images will be captured to determine the kidney’s size and demonstrate how efficiently your system is emptying itself of urine. Near the end of the exam you will be asked to empty your bladder so images can be taken of your urinary bladder.

How Long Will the Exam Take?
A x-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (IVP) takes between 30 to 90 minutes from the time you enter the x-ray suite until you leave. When the exam is completed you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist determines if more images are required.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician. Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your Report. To reduce waiting time, please bring copies of previous scans if your exam is for the same area being imaged.

Will my insurance cover the exam?
It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Who do I call if I have questions?
Contact us at (563) 359-3931.

Links: www.radiologyinfo.com