IVP Procedures

Overview-
An IVP is a special xray of your kidneys and portions of your urinary system. This test can show problems with kidney stones, tumors, or blockages.

Preparation-
You will need to come by the radiology department and pick up a prep kit. This kit contains a laxative to clean out your colon for better visualization of your urinary system. There will be an instruction sheet included with your prep kit that instructs you how to eat the day before your exam.

If you are over 70 and/or diabetic you will need to have blood work done to show your BUN and creatinine levels.

Length of exam-
An IVP will take approximately 1 hour to perform.

How is the exam performed?
You will be asked to put on a gown and lie on the xray table. The technologist will take an xray of your abdomen to make sure the preparation kit cleaned the colon and visualization of your kidneys is optimal. The technologist will start an IV and inject contrast material into your veins. The contrast material will make your kidneys and urinary system show up. Images will be taken periodically after the contrast is given to show the urinary system. You will be asked to go to the bathroom and empty your bladder at the end of the procedure. The technologist will take one image of your abdomen after you go to the bathroom and then you will be ready to leave.

Results-
Please contact your physician for the results of your test. The results will be available within a couple of days.

This page is intended for education purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your physician. Please call your physician if you have medical questions concerning your health. For any questions about the procedure, please contact the radiology department.