Intravenous Pyelogram
Pre and Post Instructions

What is an Intravenous Pyelogram?
An Intravenous Pyelogram, most often called IVP, is an examination of the urinary tract, which detects disease of the kidney ureters and bladder. To visualize these soft tissue structures an injection of contrast medium will be used. This is sometimes referred to as x-ray dye. The technologist performing the examination will ask you to complete a questionnaire/consent form that will ask questions of your medical history and any known allergies to medications. It is important to note that if you are a diabetic using a drug Glucophage (Chemical name Metformin), that drug mist be stopped two days prior to the administration of iodinated contrast and resumed two days after the administration of contrast. The procedure will take approximately 1 hour.

What preparation is needed?
You will be given instructions by your physician’s office or hospital. Your physician may require that you have lab work the day before the examination so that we may know the status of your renal functions.

Any woman who is pregnant should inform her doctor before scheduling this examination.

Please check with your health care provider about taking medications prior to your exam.

What is the exam like?
You will be asked to change into an x-ray gown and positioned on the x-ray table. The x-ray equipment will be above you. An x-ray will be taken of your abdomen and kidneys before you receive the contrast. The contrast will then be injected, usually in a vein in your arm, by the radiologist. If you feel any discomfort during or after the injection, please notify the technologist. Time-delayed x-rays will be taken as the contrast travels through your urinary system. Near the end of the examination, you may be asked to empty your bladder and another x-ray will be taken.

What about after the procedure?
Upon completion of your IVP exam, you may maintain your regular diet. Please drink water throughout the day to flush the contrast medium from your urinary tract. The contrast is clear and colorless and will be excreted in your urine within 12 hours. After this procedure you may resume normal activities

What about the results?
Once the examination is completed, the x-rays will be studied by the radiologist and compared to any previous x-rays of the same area you may have had taken previously. A written report of the radiologist interpretation will be forwarded to your physician either by fax or mail. Please allow a few days before contacting your physician for the results.

Questions?
If you have any questions before or after your appointment, please call the Radiology Department at 802-257-8820.

For more information on the Department of Radiology at BMH click here.