Intravenous pyelogram

Alternative names:

excretory urography; IVP

How the test is performed:

The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an X-ray technician. You will need to urinate immediately before the procedure. You will be asked to lie on your back on the X-ray table so that a preliminary X-ray of your abdomen can be taken. Then a needle will be inserted into a vein (usually inside of the elbow) and taped in place. The contrast material is then injected into the vein. The kidneys will filter the contrast material out of the blood and then the contrast material is distributed throughout the urinary tract. X-rays will be taken at regular intervals. It is necessary to remain still during the procedure. The film will trace the contrast material through the urinary tract.

A compression device (a wide belt containing 2 balloons that can be inflated) may be used to keep the contrast material in the kidneys. When the compression device is removed, you will need to urinate; then an additional film is taken to see how well the bladder has emptied.

How to prepare for the test:

Inform the health care provider if you:

• are pregnant
• are allergic to X-ray contrast material
• have any drug allergies

You must sign a consent form. You needs to eat a very light dinner or no food the night before the test. You are given no food or fluid until the test is over. You will be given a laxative the afternoon before the procedure to remove intestinal gas and feces that could block the view of the X-ray. You will be given a gown to put on, and you must remove all jewelry.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

You will be hungry and thirsty from not eating and drinking. There is a brief sting as the needle is inserted into the vein. As the dye is injected, there may be a burning or "flushing" sensation in the arm and the body. A few people develop headaches, nausea, or vomiting after the dye is injected. The compression device may produce pressure. You may feel weak, nauseous, and lightheaded for a short time after the procedure.

Why the test is performed:

The procedure helps evaluate infections in the bladder and the kidneys, blood in the urine, flank pain (kidney stone), tumors, and looks for damage to the urinary tract after an abdominal injury.