Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): About This Test

Female and male urinary systems, showing kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

What is it?

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray test that provides pictures of the kidneys, the bladder, and the ureters (urinary tract). During IVP, a dye called contrast material is injected into a vein in your arm. A series of X-ray pictures are then taken at timed intervals.

Why is this test done?

An IVP is done to:

  • Identify diseases of the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, tumors, or infection.
  • Look for problems with the structure of the urinary tract.
  • Find the cause of blood in the urine.
  • Look for damage to the urinary tract after an injury.
  • Find the cause of urinary tract infections that keep coming back.
  • Find the cause of ongoing back or flank pain.

How do you prepare for the test?

Tell your doctor if:

  • You are allergic to the iodine dye used as the contrast material for X-ray tests or to anything else that contains iodine.
  • You have ever had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), such as after being stung by a bee or from eating shellfish.
  • You are breastfeeding. You may want to pump enough breast milk before the test to get through 1 to 2 days of feeding. The contrast material used in this test can get into your breast milk.

How is the test done?

  • You will lie on your back on an X-ray table. An X-ray picture of your belly will be taken. The doctor will review it before the next part of the test starts.
  • The injection site on your arm will be cleaned. The dye will be injected into a vein. The dye travels through the bloodstream, is filtered out by the kidneys, and passes into the urine. The urine then flows into the tubes (ureters) that lead to the bladder.
  • X-ray pictures are taken several minutes apart as the dye goes through the urinary tract. Each picture is looked at right away. Sometimes more pictures are taken based on earlier ones. You may be asked to turn from side to side or to hold several different positions so the doctor can take a complete series of X-rays.
  • A special type of X-ray technique called fluoroscopy may also be used during IVP.

What are the risks of an intravenous pyelogram (IVP)?

There is a risk of damage to cells or tissue from being exposed to radiation, including the small amounts used in CTs, X-rays, and other medical tests. Over time, exposure to radiation may cause cancer and other health problems. But in most cases, the risk of getting cancer from being exposed to small amounts of radiation is low. It is not a reason to avoid these tests for most people.

There is slight risk of having an allergic reaction to the contrast material.

How long does the test take?

The test will take about an hour.

What happens after the test?

Drink plenty of liquids to help flush the dye out of your body.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to keep a list of the medicines you take. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your test results.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter B279 in the search box to learn more about "Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): About This Test".