Patient Education
TESTS AND PROCEDURES
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
An IVP is an X-ray test that uses a contrast agent to show the urinary system (the kidneys, ureters and bladder). This contrast agent, a dye, is injected into your vein. The IVP is done in the Radiology (X-ray) department and lasts about 45 minutes. Please tell your doctor or the X-ray staff if you: Might be pregnant. Are allergic to iodine. Have had a problem with this exam or other contrast exams in the past.
Please tell the X-ray staff if you might be pregnant or are allergic to iodine.
Before the Test
You will need to purchase one bottle of Magnesium Citrate at least one day before your IVP test. This can be bought at the hospital pharmacy and most local drug stores.
Evening Before the Test
One hour after your evening meal, which should not be later than 6 p.m.: Drink the whole bottle of Magnesium Citrate. Until midnight: Only water is allowed, no food. After midnight: Take nothing by mouth.
Day of the Test
Do not take anything by mouth the morning of the exam. Parking is available for patients and visitors in the garage at 222 E. Huron, across from the Feinberg and Galter pavilions. For discounted rates, please bring your parking ticket with you. Tickets can be validated at the Customer Services Desks on the 1st and 2nd floor of the Feinberg and Galter pavilions; 1st floor of Prentice (including the Prentice 24 hour desk near the Superior entrance).
Patients First
Patients will need to wear a gown for this exam. Gowns will be provided. Outpatients will be shown to a dressing area to change into the gown. Please remove any loose or hanging jewelry, such as necklaces. It is not usually necessary to remove rings or watches, but you may wish to do so for comfort and security. Before the test begins, the X-ray staff and radiologist will explain the test and the equipment used.
During the Test
The X-ray staff will instruct you to lie on a table and a technologist (tech) will take a series of X-ray pictures. A doctor or nurse will inject the contrast solution. This contrast solution will make your urinary system brighter on the X-ray pictures. As the contrast enters your body, you may feel warm and flushed. You may note a metallic taste in your mouth. This is normal, although some people will feel nothing at all. Rarely, nausea and hives with itching may occur. If you note these symptoms, please inform the staff. During the rest of the exam, the tech will take a series of X-rays of your kidneys and urinary system. You will need to lie still and breathe as instructed. The tech and radiologist will let you know if any additional X-rays will be needed.
After the Test
You may resume your normal activities and diet after the test. It is suggested that you drink an additional 1 or 2 glasses of water. The contrast agent will not discolor your urine. Your bowel habits may be changed slightly. If any changes last more than 2 to 3 days, please contact your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about this test, please ask your doctor, nurse or the Radiology Staff.
Health Information Resources
For more information, visit one of Northwestern Memorial Hospitals Health Learning Centers. These state-of-the-art health libraries are located on the third floor of the Galter Pavilion and on the first floor of the Prentice Womens Hospital. Health information professionals are available to help you find the information you need and provide you with personalized support at no charge. You may contact the Health Learning Centers by calling 312-926-LINK (5465) or by sending an e-mail to
[email protected]. For additional information about Northwestern Memorial Hospital, please visit our Web site at www.nmh.org.
Para asistencia en espaol, por favor llamar a el departamento de representantes para pacientes al 312-926-3112. Northwestern Memorial is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes, respects and serves with dignity all people and does not discriminate, including in hiring, or employment, or admission, or access to, or treatment in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, disability, handicap, age, Vietnam or other veteran status, sexual orientation or any other status protected by relevant law. To arrange for TDD/TTY, auxiliary aids and foreign language interpretation services, call the Patient Representative department at 312-926-3112, TDD number 312-926-6363. Issues related to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 should be directed to the director of Employee Relations or designee at 312-926-7297. Developed by: Department of Radiology August 2007 Northwestern Memorial Hospital For more information about Northwestern Memorial Hospital, please visit www.nmh.org. 1100-07 900322 (09/07)
