An intravenous pyelogram/IVP is an X-ray procedure that uses intravenous (IV) contrast designed to study the kidneys and bladder.
This test requires the technologist to insert a small catheter into a vein and use it to administer the contrast at the appropriate time. Contrast does have a slight health risk. Patients will be given a consent form by the technologist to sign after receiving a full description of potential side effects of the contrast.
If you are diabetic and taking Metformin, you will need recent (less than 30days) kidney chemistry blood work, including a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test and creatinine test. These levels must be normal for you to receive the contrast. You must be able to stay off the medication for 48 hours after the test and have the BUN and creatinine tests repeated. If the values are normal, you may restart the medication. Do not stop the Metformin without first consulting with your physician. He/she will need to be consulted to restart the medication.
During the exam, you may be asked to change clothes and wear a gown.
Wearing loose fitting jogging clothes with no metal objects may allow you to avoid changing clothes.
Digital images are acquired before and after the administration of intravenous contrast solution, usually over a 30-minute period, or longer if necessary.
How Do I Prepare for an Intravenous Pyelogram/IVP?
The patient should obtain a Fleets Prep Kit from any drugstore and follow the 12-hour instructions on the box the day before the exam. The patient should fast for at least eight hours prior to the exam – ideally, nothing to eat or drink after midnight before the exam is scheduled. If the patient is on prescribed medication, he/she should continue taking their medication as directed with a small glass of water. IVP takes approximately 30 minutes.
Following the exam, the patient may resume his/her normal diet and activities.