I.V.P

An Intravenous Pyelogram is a diagnostic x-ray test of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

The Procedure:

An iodine solution or dye will be injected into your vein and will move through your blood system to the kidneys. The kidneys will filter the contrast out of the blood, through the ureters into the bladder, which shows the entire urinary system. Timed x-rays will be taken.

Procedure time: 1 hour

Preparation Instructions:

Clear x-rays depend on the intestinal tract being clean of gas and stool, so you will need to prepare in the following way:

1. At 2:00 P.M., the day prior to your test take 4 Dulcolax tablets with at least on full glass of water. These tablets must be swallowed whole, not chewed, or crushed.
2. You may have a liquid supper (no milk products) the evening before the x-rays. Some examples of a liquid supper are chicken or beef broth, jello, or clear soups.
3. After midnight you may have sips of water during the night, but no more than 1 glass. (8oz.)
4. Do not eat breakfast the morning of your test until after the x-rays are finished. If you are on medication, you may take them with a small amount of water.
5. If you do not have results from your laxative tablets, you must take enemas until clear the morning before your x-rays.

For Your Information:

1. Any woman who is pregnant, or thinks she might be, should let her doctor know before having the x-ray.
2. Please inform the technologist of any known allergies.
3. Do not bring jewelry or large amounts of money with you.
4. You will be asked to sign a consent form for the test.
5. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
6. Relax and follow the directions given to you by the Medical Imaging staff.
7. A dye will be injected into your vein. The injection only takes a few minutes. After the injection, a series of x-rays of your abdomen will be taken.
8. You will be able to leave the x-ray department when the test is finished. Discharge instructions will be given to outpatients.
9. The dye will pass out of your body through the urine. It will not make your urine a different color or cause pain. After the test is completed, you should drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
10. If you develop hives, itching, or any other new symptoms within 24 hours, you should contact either your family doctor, the Medical Imaging Department, or be seen in the Emergency Department. This may be an allergic reaction.
11. The Radiologist (x-ray doctor) will “read” the x-rays and give the results to your doctor in 2-3 days. Your doctor will talk to you about the results of this test. Feel free to ask the doctor if you have any questions.

If you have any questions about your preparation, please call 419-394-3335, ext. 3550 for assistance.