Home / Our Services / A-Z Listing / Imaging Services

IVP Exam

An Intravenous Pyelogram is an x-ray that provides the radiologist with information about the urinary system. A special dye is injected into your arm or hand. The dye is absorbed by the kidneys and passes through the ureters and into the bladder.

This test requires that you follow the specific preparation instructions below prior to your exam.

The Day Before Examination

  • A nurse will contact you prior to your appointment to discuss your medical history. If you have not received this call by the day before your appointment, please call us at 412.942.3101 and ask to speak with the Medical Imaging Nurse.
  • Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes or renal disease must have had a Bun and Creatinine blood test within 30 days of the exam to assess their renal function. 
  • Eat a light lunch.
  • At 1:00 p.m. begin to follow the instructions on the LO-SO Prep Bowel Cleansing System that you were given.
  • NOTHING TO EAT after lunch.
  • Drink plenty of clear liquids throughout the day, up until bedtime.
  • Cramping and loose stools may occur approximately 1-8 hours after the laxative is taken.

The Day of Examination

  • Eat a clear liquid breakfast (Coffee or tea without cream, plain jello, broth, soda, apple juice).
  • Please bring your prescription with you to your appointment.
  • Report directly to the Medical Imaging Department on the Third Floor of St. Clair Hospital
  • Plan on being in the department for approximately 1 hour.

In the Department

  • You will be asked to read and sign a consent form.
  • You will be asked to change into a special wrap-around gown
  • You will be asked to lie on a table. Preliminary x-rays will be taken.
  • The dye will be injected into your arm or hand.
  • A series of x-rays will be taken as the dye passes through the urinary system. You will be asked to turn in position several times.
  • The films will be checked by the radiologist
  • You will then empty your bladder and another series of x-rays will be taken.

Following the Examination

  • Resume your normal diet unless otherwise instructed.

 

Find a Physician