Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

If there is a possibility of pregnancy, or if you are diabetic, nursing, taking any Metformin-containing medications, or have had previous contrast media reactions please inform the technologist prior to the date of your examination.

What is an IVP

Your physician has requested that you have an IVP. This examination is a series of x-ray images taken of the kidney, ureters and bladder. A contrast material will be injected into your vein to visualize the urinary system.

Preparation

On the day preceding the examination: The preparation is a laxative to empty your digestive tract so that the contents do not obscure the areas to be examined. Please follow the bowel prep instructions provided. This preparation includes the need for you to purchase magnesium citrate and bisacodyl tablets from your pharmacy. A high fluid intake is essential to the success of the exam. You must take a large glass (8 oz.) of fluid at the specified times. Drink only black coffee, plain tea, strained fruit juice, soft drinks or water. No milk products. You may continue fluids until midnight.

On the day of the examination: Use suppository as directed.

No food or beverage should be taken prior to the examination. (Medication may be taken as directed with a small amount of water.)

Contrast studies

You may be required to have a blood test prior to the examination to determine kidney function. The final determination of contrast administration is typically decided by the radiologist. At times the scan is changed from contrast to non-contrast or vice versa on the day of your exam. If this should occur and you have not had a lab test, the imaging department will help to facilitate this step.

On the day of your exam

Please arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to allow for parking and registration. Please plan to spend approximately 1-2 hours in our department. If you bring friends or family to the appointment they will be asked to wait in a waiting room during your scan. Children cannot be left unattended during your scan. Please arrange for a caregiver.

A gown will be provided for you to wear. You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table and a few abdominal images will be taken. The contrast material will be injected into your vein. A compression band may be placed tightly across your abdomen. Several x-rays will be taken over a period of time to complete the examination.

Results

Our radiologist will study your examination and a report will be forwarded to your practitioner, from whom you may obtain the results. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please contact our department at at 608-342-4740.

Date of appointment _______________________________________ Time_____________________

Your procedure will be performed at Southwest Health at 1400 Eastside Road – Platteville, WI 53818. Please use the Main Hospital Entrance and check in at the Registration Desk prior to your scheduled procedure.

If you cannot keep your appointment please contact the radiology department at 608-342-4740 so that me may accommodate another patient.

NOTE: It may take 2-3 days to obtain verification from your insurance company for exams that require prior authorization, such as CT, MRI, Nuclear Stress, Injections, etc.

BOWEL PREP INSTRUCTIONS