Intravenous Urography (IVU) Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
Your doctor has ordered an Intravenous Urogram (IVU) or Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) for you. This handout helps you prepare for the test.
Tell your primary doctor before you are scheduled if you
- have not had a blood creatinine (kidney function) test
- may be pregnant
- are breast feeding
- have an allergy to iodine contrast (also used for CT scans, angiograms, and venograms)
- have many food or medicine allergies
- have asthma
- have heart or lung problems
- are taking Glucovance or Metformin (Glucophage®) for diabetes
- have been diagnosed with renal failure
- are being treated with interleukin-2
- have been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, multiple myeloma, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, sickle cell disease, hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma
If you have any of the above, you may need special medicine or care before the test. Another test may be done in place of the IVU/IVP.
What is an IVU/IVP?
An IVU/IVP is an x-ray exam of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. An iodine liquid contrast is given through a vein. This contrast shows up on x-rays when it reaches the kidneys. The kidneys get rid of (excrete) the contrast into the ureters that drain into the bladder. This test is done to check patients with problems such as blood in the urine, stones, obstruction, developmental problems, and as a check before some surgeries.
In order to prevent bowel contents from blocking the view of the kidneys, you will be asked to do a bowel prep the night before. This will help to improve the quality of the IVU/IVP.
What is Iodinated Contrast?
Iodine is seen on x-rays (radiopaque). Iodinated contrast dye is injected into the arteries or veins to show different parts of the body with x-rays. This contrast will pass through the kidneys within 24 hours. Adverse reactions to contrast can sometimes occur. Severe reactions to the type of contrast used at UWHC occur at a rate of 4 in 10,000. Very severe reactions occur at a rate of 1 in 10,000.
An elective x-ray exam should not be performed if there is a chance of pregnancy. A small amount of contrast agent will be excreted in breast milk. Some women prefer to discard breast milk for 24 hours after receiving IV contrast, but the small amount that the baby would receive should not cause problems.
Before you come in
The night before your IVU/IVP
Drink 10 ounces of magnesium citrate between 4 and 6 p.m. unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
The morning of your IVU/IVP
Do not eat or drink. You may take needed medicines with a sip of water. If you take insulin, talk with your doctor.
Go to the Outpatient X-ray Department, G3/3, at _____________ on _____________________
During the IVU/IVP
You will be asked to lie on a table for about 60 minutes. “Scout (preliminary) films” will be taken before the x-ray contrast is given. If you are allergic to iodine, please tell the staff. For a short time after the injection, you may feel warm or have a metallic taste in your mouth. Let the x-ray tech know of any discomfort. Often a cloth compression band will be placed across your lower abdomen to help keep the contrast in the kidneys.
As pictures are taken, they will be reviewed by a radiologist. More films may be taken, if needed. You may be asked to return for delayed films.
After the IVU/IVP
You may eat after the exam. Drink plenty of fluids. You will be able to resume your normal daily routines after the IVU/IVP.
Phone Numbers
If you have any questions or concerns, please call (608) 263-8351 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 04/12/2013
Copyright © 04/12/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4337
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