An IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram or kidney x-ray) helps your physician diagnose kidney stones, blockage, or other problems with your kidneys.

It is very important that you follow the instructions for this preparation in order for your test to work. If you have not followed your instructions to the letter, your exam may have to be cancelled and rescheduled. You will receive a prep kit prior to your test.

If you have had an allergic reaction to x-ray dye (contrast), please notify your physician so you may start preventative medication 24 hours prior to your exam.

If you are diabetic or over age 65, you must have lab work including BUN and creatinine exams done within 30 days before the exam.

When you come for your exam, you will fill out some papers giving us permission to do your exam. You will then change into a gown.

Your technologist will take some preliminary films and show them to the radiologist. Then you will receive an injection of a contrast medium. This is to help your kidneys, ureters and bladder show up better on the x-ray.

This contrast medium might make you feel flushed and warm or cause you to have a metallic taste in your mouth. These are expected side effects and they will go away in a few minutes.

Then the technologist will take a series of x-ray films and show them to the doctor. The radiologist will then determine if more films need to be taken. You will get to go to the restroom and then a final series of pictures will be taken before you are finished.

This exam takes about 45 minutes.

You may resume your normal activities and regular diet after your IVP exam. It is important that you drink extra fluids for two to three days after your exam


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