How do I prepare for this exam?
In order to see the kidneys well on x-ray, we need to “clean out” the bowel.  We ask that you follow this simple diet:

• On the day before the exam, eat a light lunch and dinner.  An example of a light meal would be clear soup, plain chicken or turkey, broiled meat, mashed potatoes, and Jell-O.  Do not eat heavy food or roughage.

• Drink as much clear fluid as you can during the evening.  Clear fluid includes: water, apple juice, tea or coffee without milk or cream.  But stop eating solid food after 8 pm.  On the day of the exam, do not eat solid food.  You may continue to drink clear liquids up to three hours before your appointment.

• If you have a history of severe allergies or asthma, hayfever, or a history of prior contrast reaction, you may be asked to take medicine in preparation for your scan.  These would include three doses of Prednisone and one dose of Benadryl.  Prescriptions will be given for the Prednisone medication.  Benadryl can be purchased over the counter without prescription.

Special note:
If you are scheduled for any other tests on the same day, please be sure to ask if there are any dietary requirements.  If there are, please consult your doctor and call the radiology department.  If you have asthma or any allergies to food or medications, be sure to inform the technologist and the radiologist before the test.  All patients must have a preprocedure blood test to ensure adequate kidney function before this test can be performed.  As the laboratory results take a minimum of one hour, these should be obtained on the day prior to the examination or earlier, if possible.

What about my Medications?
If you need regular medications on the morning of your test, they may be taken with a small amount of water.  Preferably, they should be taken one to two hours prior to the examination.

I have diabetes.  Are there special instructions for me?

• If you are a diabetic and take insulin or another oral medicine for diabetes, please check with your doctor to see if your medicine will have to be adjusted while you are not eating.

• If you are taking Glucophage (metformin), for diabetes, please be sure to tell the person doing your exam.  You will be given special instructions about your medication.  You must not take this medicine for 48-hours prior to and following the exam.  Your kidney function will be tested not only before the examination but 48-hours following the procedure before you are allowed to resume your Glucophage medication.

What else do I need to do or to know?

• If you have asthma or any allergies to food or medications, be sure to tell the receptionist, technologist and radiologist before the injection of contrast material. Also be sure to tell them about any reactions to x-ray dye that you have had in the past.  Tell them even if you think the information is on your record, or you think they already know about it.  This is for your safety.  You will be getting a dye for this test, and some people who have other allergies are also allergic to the x-ray dye.

• If you have been scheduled for any other x-ray test on the same day as your IVP, call the radiology department to make sure one test will not interfere with the other.

What will happen during the test?
We will start an IV (intravenous) line in your arm.  We will give you a special x-ray dye through the IV.  This dye will outline the kidneys and urinary systems so we can see them on x-ray.  This will show the radiologist how well your kidneys are working and the structure of your urinary system.  After the injection, we will take a number of x-rays.  Each time, you will be asked to hold your breath for a brief period.  After the radiologist has seen your bladder filled with dye, we will ask you to go to the bathroom to urinate.  Then, we will look at your empty bladder on your last x-ray picture.

Will it be painful?
No.  However, some people experience a mild feeling of warmth or coolness with the injection.  Others experience a “metal” taste.  If you experience nausea or breathing difficulties, please inform the technologist immediately.  If ionic contrast material is used for your exam, a small dose of Benadryl will be mixed with the contrast material and reduce the likelihood of any adverse reaction.  However, it is essential that you be prepared to stay in the department until all effects of the Benadryl have gone.  Driving home alone is not recommended should Benadryl be utilized.  A companion to drive you home is strongly recommended.

How long will the exam take?
The exam takes about one hour.  Occasionally, more time is necessary when we need to take delayed films or when blockages of the urinary tract are encountered.

When may I eat?
In most cases, you may eat as soon as the exam is over.

How will I learn the results?
Your doctor will discuss the results with you.