| Q1. What is an IVU? |
| Q2. How is it conducted? |
| Q3. Will it be uncomfortable? |
| Q4. How long does it take? |
| Q5. Are there any risks? |
| Q6. On whom should an IVU not be performed? |
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Q7. Is any preparation required prior to an IVU? |
| Q8. Can I eat and drink after the procedure? |
| Q9. When will I get the results of the test? |
| Q10. Are any further tests required after the IVU test? |
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| Q1. |
What is an IVU? |
| A1. |
An IVU (intravenous urogram) is a special x-ray series performed after an initial screening test such as an ultrasound of the
abdomen has revealed the presence of some urinary abnormality in the urinary system. This is a test that helps to visualise the entire urinary system. It reveals details of:
With this test, it is also possible to assess approximately how well each kidney is functioning. It therefore helps your doctor to
make a decision on the type of treatment you require. |
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| Q2. |
How is it conducted? |
| A2. |
After you enter the x-ray room, you will be requested to take off your outer garments and change into a gown. You should also remove jewellery and any other metallic objects from your body and hand it over to your relative or an identified attender.
You will then be requested to lie on the x-ray table. To start with, a plain x-ray of your abdomen will be taken.
After this, a special dye will be injected into a vein in your arm. The dye will pass through the blood stream into the kidneys
and will delineate the kidneys and the rest of the urinary system.
Further x-ray pictures will then be taken to track the movement of the dye – usually after 5 minutes, 20 minutes, 45 minutes,
and a final picture after emptying the bladder. These timings may change and will usually be dictated by your doctor depending
on the findings. |
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| Q3. |
Will it be uncomfortable? top |
| A3. |
The sensation of the injection being administered is rather like having your blood taken. The needle may hurt briefly while it goes through the skin, but after that you should not feel any pain.
As the dye is injected, you may feel a sense of warmth, which usually disappears in a minute or two.
You may also develop nausea (vomiting sensation), which also usually disappears in a couple of minutes. |
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| Q4. |
How long does it take? |
| A4. |
The test may be over quickly if everything is normal. However, sometimes it can take longer, particularly if the kidneys are not working well. Usually, you can expect the total time in the department to be a little more than an hour. |
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| Q5. |
Are there any risks? |
| A5. |
The dye that is injected for the test is generally very safe. Literally, thousands of people have this injection in x-ray
departments every day around the world. However, with every injection of the contrast medium (dye), there is a small risk of reaction. It is not uncommon for people to feel a little warm as the contrast medium flows around the body. Some people may develop a rash and a few may get a mild asthma attack. Very, very rarely some get a severe allergic reaction. The doctors and radiographers are trained to recognize these reactions and to treat them promptly.
It is important to remember that the risk of missing a serious problem by not having the test performed is much greater.
If you are diabetic or pregnant, please inform your doctor. Pregnant women are advised not to undergo an IVU. |
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| Q6. |
On whom should an IVU not be performed? top |
| A6. |
If you have borderline kidney failure or established kidney failure, please inform your doctor as an IVU should not be performed and alternate tests are available. Your doctor will ensure that your serum creatinine is normal, through a serum creatinine test (a blood test to determine the function of the kidneys), before recommending an IVU. |
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| Q7. |
Is any preparation required prior to an IVU? |
| A7. |
You will be asked to take laxative tablets the night before the procedure to empty the bowel. This is because a full bowel may obscure the x-ray pictures.
It is also advisable to arrive on an empty stomach for the procedure. However, you may have a cup of tea/coffee before coming for the procedure.
If you have constipation, you may need bowel preparation for 2 or more days. Please inform your doctor so that he can provide you with the necessary instructions.
Please enquire with the x-ray department regarding the cost of the test while fixing your appointment. |
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| Q8. |
Can I eat and drink after the procedure? |
| A8. |
Yes, you can have your regular food after the procedure. |
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| Q9. |
When will I get the results of the test? |
| A9. |
After the x-rays have been taken, it generally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to process and develop the films. You can consult your doctor after that. |
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| Q10. |
Are any further tests required after the IVU test? top |
| A10. |
Sometimes yes. Based upon the IVU findings, your doctor may ask for further tests to be performed that can help in planning your treatment. |
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