If so, your doctor will explain why. Sometimes a follow-up exam further evaluates a potential issue with more views or a special imaging technique. It may also see if there has been any change in an issue over time. Follow-up exams are often the best way to see if treatment is working or if a problem needs attention. Doctors take special care during x-ray exams to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. National and international radiology protection organizations continually review and update the technique standards radiology professionals use.
Modern x-ray systems minimize stray scatter radiation by using controlled x-ray beams and dose control methods. This ensures that the areas of your body not being imaged receive minimal radiation exposure. An IVP shows details of the inside of the urinary tract including the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Computed tomography CT or magnetic resonance imaging MRI may add valuable information about the functioning tissue of the kidneys and surrounding structures nearby the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
Small urinary tract tumors and stones are more easily identified on these examinations. The uses for IVP in infants and children are limited.
Other tests, including ultrasound, can be used in most cases to evaluate the kidneys and bladder. In general, IVPs are rarely done in pediatric patients. Please type your comment or suggestion into the text box below. Note: we are unable to answer specific questions or offer individual medical advice or opinions. Some imaging tests and treatments have special pediatric considerations. The teddy bear denotes child-specific content.
Please contact your physician with specific medical questions or for a referral to a radiologist or other physician. To locate a medical imaging or radiation oncology provider in your community, you can search the ACR-accredited facilities database. This website does not provide cost information.
The costs for specific medical imaging tests, treatments and procedures may vary by geographic region. Web page review process: This Web page is reviewed regularly by a physician with expertise in the medical area presented and is further reviewed by committees from the Radiological Society of North America RSNA and the American College of Radiology ACR , comprising physicians with expertise in several radiologic areas.
Outside links: For the convenience of our users, RadiologyInfo. Toggle navigation. What are some common uses of the procedure? How should I prepare?
What does the equipment look like? How does the procedure work? How is the procedure performed? The ureters are the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder. If you are having urinary tract problems or abdominal pain, your doctor might order an IVP. It can also be done in a hospital. Your doctor may order an IVP if you have signs of a kidney problem. These include pain in your side or back, or blood in your urine. IVPs are still performed. However, computed tomography CT scans are now the preferred way to examine the urinary system.
These scans take less time to perform. They are also able to provide alternate views of the system. Drinking lots of fluid the day before your test can help get your kidneys ready to excrete the dye.
If you have diabetes and take insulin, you should ask your doctor whether or not you should take insulin the day of the test. You will have to eat a special diet the night before your appointment. This is to minimize solid stools in your large intestine. Stools can make it harder to read the X-rays. You may also be instructed to take a laxative the day before the test and to limit your dinner to clear liquids. Once the agent has moved through the kidneys, it will pass down the ureters into the bladder.
X-rays are taken throughout to follow the path of the contrast agent. The x-rays will be reviewed for evidence of tumors, cysts, stones, or other structural and functional abnormalities. Once the IVP is over, you can immediately resume your daily activities. The main risk of an IVP test is a reaction to the dye.
Such reactions are not common. Reactions occur in anywhere from 3 to 13 out of people having an IVP. In general, reactions are minor, and consist of:. These are often treated with antihistamines drugs that reduce the histamines in your body from an allergic reaction.
In these cases, you may be given antihistamines or steroids before the exam. This test may be done at the same time as a CT scan of the kidneys urography.
The CT scan also uses contrast dye. An IVP can show your healthcare provider the size, shape, and structure of your kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
You may need this test if your provider suspects that you have:. Your provider may also use this test to find the cause of flank pain or pain spasms in the kidney area. A CT scan of the kidneys will make a more accurate diagnosis of kidney tumors or kidney problems caused by trauma.
You may want to ask your healthcare provider about the amount of radiation used during the test. Also ask about the risks as they apply to you. Consider writing down all X-rays you get, including past scans and X-rays for other health reasons. Show this list to your provider. The risks of radiation exposure may be tied to the number of X-rays you have and the X-ray treatments you have over time. Are pregnant or think you may be. Radiation exposure during pregnancy may lead to birth defects.
Are allergic to or sensitive to any medicines, contrast dye, or iodine. Because contrast dye is used, there is a risk for allergic reaction to the dye. Have kidney failure or other kidney problems.
In some cases, the contrast dye can cause kidney failure. You are at higher risk for this if you take certain diabetes medicines.
Possible complications of this test also include problems urinating and urinary tract infections. You may have other risks depending on your specific health condition.
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