An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a special x-ray examination of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder).
Alternative NamesExcretory urography; IVP
How the test is performedAn IVP is done in a hospital radiology department or a health care provider's office by an x-ray technician.
You will need to empty your bladder immediately before the procedure starts.
The health care provider will inject an iodine-based contrast (dye) into a vein in your arm. A series of x-ray images are taken at different times to see how the kidneys remove the dye and how it collects in your urine.
A compression device (a wide belt containing two balloons that can be inflated) may be used to keep the contrast material in the kidneys.
You will need to remain still during the procedure, which may take up to an hour.
Before the final image is taken, you will be asked to urinate again, to see how well the bladder has emptied.
You can resume your normal diet and medications after the procedure. You should drink plenty of fluids to help remove all the contrast dye from your body.
How to prepare for the testAs with all x-ray procedures, tell your health care provider if you:
Your health care provider will tell you whether you can eat or drink before this test. You may be given a laxative to take the afternoon before the procedure to clear the intestines so your kidneys can be clearly seen.
You must sign a consent form. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and to remove all jewelry.
How the test will feelYou may feel a burning or flushing sensation in the arm and body as the contrast dye is injected. You may also have a metallic taste in the mouth. This is normal and will quickly disappear.
Some people develop a headache, nausea, or vomiting after the dye is injected.
The belt across the kidneys may feel tight over your belly area.
Why the test is performedAn IVP can be used to evaluate:
The test may reveal kidney diseases, birth abnormalities, tumors, kidney stones, and inflammation caused by infections.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
There is a chance of an allergic reaction to the dye, even if you have received contrast dye in the past without any problem. If you have a known allergy to iodine-based contrast, an alternate test should be performed. Alternatives include retrograde pyelography, MRI, or ultrasound.
There is low radiation exposure. X-rays are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation exposure needed to produce the image. Most experts feel that the risk is low compared with the benefits.
Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of radiation.
Special considerationsComputed tomography (CT) scans has replaced IVP as the main tool for checking the urinary system. CT takes less time to perform and provides additional views of the abdomen, which can help rule out other possible reasons for the patient's symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used to look at the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
ReferencesNorrby SR. Approach to the patient with urinary tract infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 306.
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kidney function
IVP or intravenous pyelogramKUBPyelogram
performed to determine the exact location of a ureteral obstruction when it cannot be visualized on an intravenous pyelogram
Antegrade pyelography differentiates this procedure from "retrograde pyelography," which injects dye into the lower end of the system, therefore flowing backward or "retrograde." Retrograde pyelography is better able to.
intravenous pyelogram
An intravenous pyelogram is a procedure where an injection of x-ray contrast is given to a patient via a needle into the vein. The contrast is removed from the bloodstream via the kidneys, and thus the contrasts media becomes visible on x-rays almost immediately after injection. To attain optimal results the x-rays are given at specific time intervals to capture the contrast as it travels through the different parts of the urinary system. This will allow the doctor to see the functioning of the renal system.
IVP stands for intravenous pyelogram. An alternative name for IVP is "intravenous urogram" (IVU).IVP is a type of radiography: An x-ray image of the urinary tract obtained after an iodine contrast medium has been injected into the bloodstream. The contrast passes through the kidney and may reveal an obstruction, evidence of trauma, etc. It's a test to evaluate the kidneys.Renal pelvis
An intravenous pyelogram is a radiographic examination of the kidneys and urinary tract using a radiopaque dye injected into the circulation. It is often abbreviated IVP.
Recurring kidney infections, bleeding, or stones will prompt x rays of the kidneys. The appearance of medullary sponge kidney on an intravenous pyelogram (x rays of the upper urinary system) is characteristic.
Prior to the lithotripsy procedure, a complete physical examination is done, followed by tests to determine the number, location, and size of the stone or stones. A test called an intravenous pyelogram, or IVP, is used to locate the stones.
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray technique that images the urinary bladder and ureters. It involves injecting a contrast dye into a vein and then taking x-ray images as the dye moves through the urinary system.