IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)

Why Have an IVP?

IVPs are specialist X-Rays of the kidneys, ureters and uriary bladder. They are used to diagnose and identify the following conditions;

The presence of kidney stones
Enlarged prostate
Tumors and cysts in the kidneys, bladder and ureters
...and many more

Who performs the examination?

The IVP images are taken by specialist technicians called radiographers. These images are then interpreted and reported upon by specialist doctors called Radiologists.

Do I need to do any preparation before I have an IVP?

Yes. You should collect some IVP tablets which are to be taken the night before your appointment. These may be collected free of charge from your nearest X-RAY & IMAGING practice.

You are required to fast for 6 hours prior to your appointment. You may drink water however.

What Happens During the examination?

For the examination, your radiographer may ask you to remove any clothing that might obstruct the accuracy of your images and wear a provided gown where necessary.

Once in the X-Ray room, the radiologist will ask you to lie on an examining table and lie still whilst images are taken of your abdomen and pelvis area.

After this a radiologist will then inject contrast material into a vein usually in the arm.

A series of images are then taken as the kidneys process the contrast material and discharge it down the urinary tracts to the bladder. These images are used to identify the size and shape of the kidneys and urinary tracts.

Once the radiographer is satisfied that the images are accurate the examination is finished. The time taken for this examination varies from person to person due to varying speeds in which different kidneys work. In most cases the examination takes only an hour from start to finish although in some cases it may last much longer.

Your images are assessed by a radiologist who will then produce a report. Your report and films should be ready in around ten minutes from completion of your examination.

Remember to take your film and report to your next doctor's appointment.

What are the risks of having too many X-Rays?

Excessive exposure caused by too many X-Rays in a short time can be harmful to the body. Doctors will only refer patients for X-Rays if they consider that the health benefits of diagnosing conditions outweighs the risks associated with X-Ray exposure.

The amount of radiation exposure received from an IVP examination is around equal to that received in the atmosphere naturally in 6 months.

Where can I get an IVP examination and how much does it cost?

IVP examinations are available at the X-RAY & IMAGING practices listed below and are bulk billed ($0) to all patients with a valid referral and a current Medicare, DVA or Work Cover card.*