Information for Consumers - Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

This article tells you about an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), the benefits and the risks, what happens before, during and after having an IVP.

What is an IVP?

An IVP uses x-rays and a special dye to make pictures of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters and bladder).

The special dye is injected into your veins. After the dye is injected, pictures are taken using an x-ray machine. The dye will pass out of your body in your urine. You will not notice it as it is colourless.

Benefits of an IVP

Used for diagnosis to show detail of your kidneys, ureters and bladder
Can be used to show how well your kidneys, ureters and bladder are working.

Risks of an IVP

Your doctor knows the risks of having an IVP. Your doctor will consider the risks before recommending you to have an IVP. Possible risks are:

Not recommended for pregnant women
Some medications cannot be taken before and straight after an IVP. Please tell staff about any medications you are taking
Small amount of radiation. The amount of radiation you are exposed to depends on the number of pictures taken
Extremely small chance you could develop cancer in the long term from the radiation
An allergic reaction from the dye. You may have nausea, sneezing, vomiting, itching, hives and dizziness. More serious reactions can occur, but are very rare
Infection at the site of an injection

Preparation for the IVP

Bring your referral letter or request form and all x-rays taken in the last 2 years with you
Leave the x-rays with the radiology staff as the doctor may need to look at them. The radiology staff will tell you when these are ready to be picked up
Wear comfortable, loose clothing
Leave all jewellery and valuables at home
You may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the IVP.

Important to tell your doctor before the IVP

If you are or may be pregnant
Any allergies and medical conditions you have, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or thyroid problems
Any medications you are taking

The day before your IVP

You will be given instructions about what you can eat and drink during the day before the test
You may be given a laxative to make sure your bowels are empty

Just before the IVP

You will be given a gown to wear
You may be asked to remove any metal objects
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 6 to 8 hours before the IVP

Consent

You have the right to refuse an examination and may do so if you wish. You may be asked to complete a consent form.

What happens during an IVP?

Staff will ask you to lie on your back on the x-ray bed. When you are in the correct position, the person taking the x-rays will go behind a screen to take an x-ray before you have any dye injected.

Staff will put a needle into a vein in your hand or arm for the injection of dye. A salt water fluid may be passed through the needle so that it does not become blocked.

Possible side effects of the 'dye':

You may feel a slight stinging sensation and a warm flushing feeling for a few seconds.
Metallic taste in mouth
You may feel like you are wetting your pants, even though you are not.

Sometimes a tight band is placed around your stomach. This can help get better pictures.

You may be asked to go to the toilet and empty your bladder in the middle of having your IVP done. The staff will continue with the IVP after you have been to the toilet.

When the IVP is finished you will be asked to wait while the staff check the pictures.

The IVP including getting you ready on the table takes between 30 to 60 minutes.

When will I get the results?

The amount of time it takes for you to get your results will differ depending on where you get your scans done. The radiology doctor will look at the pictures and write a report. The pictures may be on films or on a CD.

Ask whether you should wait to take the pictures and report with you, or whether they will be sent to your doctor.

Your doctor will need to discuss the report with you. You will need to make an appointment to do this.

After the IVP

You will be able to leave soon after the IVP is finished and can continue with normal activities.

Staff will remove the needle in your arm
Staff will give you any special instructions
The dye will pass out of your body in your urine. You will not notice it as it is colourless
Drink plenty of fluid to help get rid of the dye.

Costs

For an Australian patient in a Public Hospital in Western Australia

Public patient - no cost to you unless advised otherwise
Private patient - costs can be claimed through Medicare and your health insurance provider

For a patient in a Private Hospital or Private Imaging Site in Western Australia or a patient outside Western Australia

Ask your doctor or the staff where you are having your test done what the cost will be

Further information

For more detailed information, please access InsideRadiology at: www.insideradiology.com.au

This is a resource produced especially for consumers by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists: www.ranzcr.edu.au

A guide to gathering information that you may need for making informed decisions is published by the Consumers' Health Council of Australia at: https://chf.org.au

If you would like to look at other relevant articles, please access the following:

Or access the Diagnostic Imaging Pathways website at: radiologyacrossborders.org/diagnostic_imaging_pathways/consumer-info

Or if you have questions or require any other information please contact your doctor or speak to the staff where you are going to have your procedure.

Consumer participation

This information has been reviewed by representatives from the following groups:

Aboriginal people
People with disabilities
Seniors
CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse)
The Health Consumers' Council

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Disclaimer

This article is intended as general information only. The Diagnostic Imaging Pathways team and Radiology Across Borders will not accept any liability arising from its use. The information is kept as up-to-date and accurate as possible. Please be warned that it is always subject to change.