What is a CT IVU Scan?

ct patient

CT IVU (CT IntraVenous Urography) uses CT Scanners to take images of the genitourinary tract. This scan is used to detect abnormalities of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

What does IVU stand for?

The abbreviation IVU stands for “IntraVenous Urography”. Intravenous means “inside vein”, in this case, a contrast agent injection (dye). Urography is the study of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters & bladder.

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CT IVU

What happens during a CT IVU Scan?

A. Before your scan

What to bring

  • Your request form
  • Any relevant previous imaging
  • Your Medicare card and any concession cards

Preparation – On the day of the scan

Before you have the scan you will be asked to drink some water for about 30 minutes to ensure you are well hydrated

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding your health status, medication, and any known allergies. If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please inform us before your scan. You may also be asked to change into a gown and remove some jewellery for your scan.

B. During your CT IVU

Scan

You will be taken to the CT room and made comfortable on the examination table which will slide into the CT machine. The scan itself is completed in a matter of seconds.

Usually these examinations require an injection of X-ray dye (contrast) during the scan and this will be injected into a vein via a cannula (a thin plastic tube, similar to a flexible needle) in your arm ? the scan is then performed while the dye is passing through your blood vessels. You may feel flushed during this injection.

Risks and side effects

A CT IVU scan is a very low-risk procedure. Find out about CT Risks and Side Effects.

Who will perform my scan?

Our specialist medical imaging team will perform your CT IVU scan.

CT IVU

What happens after a CT IVU Scan?

How do I get my results?

After your appointment, the information from your scan is processed and interpreted by Envision’s medical imaging team before delivery of a report to your doctor.

Post procedural information

If you have had a contrast dye injection, the cannula will be withdrawn carefully from the vein and a bandaid applied. The dye will be flushed naturally by your body over the following 24 hours without you noticing it. You are free to eat and drink normally; we recommend you continue to drink plenty of fluids to assist your body in flushing the contrast.

You will be able to return to your normal daily activities after your scan.

CT IVU

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