IVU Scan What is an IVU (Intravenous Urography) Scan? IVU is a specialised x-ray examination of the urinary system. It requires the injection of a contrast medium intravenously to outline the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder.
• As it involves exposure to x-rays, female patients are advised to inform their doctor or the radiographer if they are pregnant or suspect that they might be pregnant.
• Blood in the urine
• Some patients may experience mild allergy such as redness, rashes, and vomiting after administration of the contrast medium. Our doctor is present to see to your welfare and medication will be given if required.
• Suspected kidney stones (flank pain)
Preparation for IVU
What are the common uses of IVU? IVU is used in the examination for:
• Recurrent infection of the bladder or kidney • Congenital renal anomalies
• Abstain from solid food and smoking 6 hours prior to the examination.
• Urinary tract damage following an abdominal injury
☐ 3 days before the examination: ___________________________
Are there any risks involved?
• Start low residue diet (eg. Porridge, fish, white bread)
• IVU is a safe & non-invasive procedure.
• Avoid leafy vegetables, fruits and meat.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. • Continue this diet until the day of examination. ☐ 2 days before the examination: ___________________________ • At 10 pm, take 2 tablets of Bisacodyl. ☐ Day before the examination: ___________________________
Do not be alarmed if you have loose and frequent stools because Bisacodyl is a laxative and it is important that your bowels are cleared. Please inform us if you have the following: • History of asthma. • History of drug allergy.
• At 8pm, pour 40ml of the lemon sweet purgative into a full glass of plain water & drink the mixture.
• Diabetes and type/s of diabetic medication. If you are on Metformin, stop taking it on the day of scan and resume 48 hours after the scan.
• At 10pm, take 2 tablets of Bisacodyl, with plain water.
• History of impaired kidney function.
☐ On the morning of the examination: ___________________________
You should have been given a premedication (eg. Prednisolone) by your doctor if you have a history of asthma and/or multiple drug allergies. All other medications may be continued as per normal. A consent will be obtained from a parent/guardian/relative if the patient is below 21 years old or mentally unfit.
• At 6am, insert the Bisacodyl suppository into your rectum. • Allow adequate time (30mins1hour) for it to act before emptying your bowels. • You can drink small amount of plain water before coming to the hospital. • Empty your bladder prior the examination.
What to expect? • You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove accessories around the abdominal region. • You will be asked some related questions on your medical history. • An x-ray will be taken at the beginning to assess the state of your bowel preparation. • The doctor will inject the contrast medium into a vein, usually at the arm. • You may experience a warm sensation and metallic taste during the first few minutes of injection but this disappears quickly. • Tight compression will then be applied to your lower abdomen. Inform the radiographer if you experience any discomfort. • A series of x-rays will be taken at different time intervals. Do not be alarmed when the machine moves during the x-ray examination. • You will be asked to empty your bladder towards the end of the examination.
• The full examination may take about 1 to 2 hours to complete. Post examination • You are advised to drink plenty of water to hydrate yourself. • Normal daily activities can be resumed after the exam.
To note 1. Please be advised that this examination is covered by Medisave for outpatient scan, capped at $300 per year. 2. Please be punctual for your appointment and bring along any relevant previous X-ray films and reports. 3. If you are unable to keep the appointment, kindly call 6602 2701 (office hours) to inform us and request for a new date. 4. Should you be late, a new appointment based on the existing waiting list may be given to you.
Affix patient’s sticker.
Venue:
Tower B, Level 2 (B25), Diagnostic Radiology
Appointment Date : ____________ Appointment Time : ____________ Examination Fee : ____________
5. For foreign workers, please bring along the original work permit and letter of guarantee. 6. We accept payment by cash, NETS, VISA/MasterCard.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
DDR.PE.02.0517