Urography involves a test known as an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), which is an X-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder. It involves an injection of contrast that goes to the urinary system, and allows the radiologist to see the collecting systems on a series of timed X-rays.

An X-ray (radiograph) is a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

Procedure

During an IVP study, you will be positioned on a table so that still x-ray images may be taken. The contrast material will then be injected, usually in a vein in your arm, followed by the taking of additional still images.

To reduce the possibility of a blurred image, you must hold very still and may be asked to keep from breathing for a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken. The technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine.

When the contrast material is injected into your arm, it travels through the blood stream and collects in the kidneys and urinary tract, turning these areas bright white in the x-ray image. As the contrast material is processed by the kidneys, a series of images will be taken to determine the actual size of the kidneys and to capture an image of the urinary tract in action as it begins to empty. You may feel a flush of heat, or experience a warm sensation throughout your body. Occasionally the sensation is in the pelvic area, and you may feel as though you have urinated, but have not. You may also experience a metallic taste in your mouth. The sensation is often mild, and typically lasts only 30 seconds.

During the imaging process, the technologist may apply a compression band around your body to better visualize the urinary structures leading from the kidney. You may be asked to turn from side to side, and to hold several different positions to enable the radiologist to capture views from several angles. Near the end of the exam, you may be asked to empty your bladder so that an additional x-ray can be taken of your urinary bladder after it empties. The contrast material used for IVP studies will not discolor your urine or cause any discomfort when you urinate.

When the examination is complete, you will be asked to wait until the technologist determines that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read.

An IVP study is usually completed within an hour. However, because some kidneys empty at a slower rate, the exam may last several hours. 

General preparation tips 

Because a standard IVP exam involves the injection of a commonly used contrast agent, we ask that certain preparatory steps be followed prior to your exam.

After midnight on the night before your exam and until the exam itself, take nothing by mouth (including the clear liquids described above).

When you arrive at UMI 

• You will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire prior to your exam.
• You will be escorted to a dressing room to change into a gown for your procedure. Although lockers are provided, we ask that you leave your valuables at home.
• The IVP exam itself typically takes approximately 30 minutes.
• Under certain circumstances, your IVP exam may be supplemented with an Ultrasound test. This will be done in a different room, using different equipment. The UMI technologist will be available to fully answer any questions you may have about this process, if necessary.
• If an Ultrasound is performed along with your IVP, please expect your exam time to be extended by an additional 30 minutes.
• The total length of your appointment at UMI should be approximately 60 minutes (90 minutes when accompanied with an Ultrasound).

For more detailed information on many radiology procedures, please visit this informational site.