INTRAVENOUS PYELOGRAM (IVP)

An Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder. Most people are familiar with x-ray images, which produce a still picture of the body's interior by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the body and capturing the resulting shadows and reflections on film. An IVP study uses a contrast material (iodine) to enhance the x-ray images. The contrast material is injected into the patient's system and its progress through the urinary tract is then recorded on a series of quickly captured images. The exam enables the radiologist to review the anatomy and the function of the kidneys and urinary tract.