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Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray test that uses a special dye (contrast material) to outline the structure of the kidneys and the tubes leading away from the kidneys (ureters). IVP helps a health professional evaluate symptoms that may be related to the kidneys.

An intravenous pyelogram can help reveal problems with:

  • The structure of the kidneys
  • Blood flow through the kidneys
  • Urine flow from the kidneys to the bladder (for example, caused by obstruction from a kidney stone).
Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
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