IVP stands for Intravenous Pyelogram, which is a type of diagnostic imaging procedure used to examine the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. It is a type of X-ray test that helps in evaluating the urinary system to detect abnormalities such as kidney stones, tumors, infections, or structural issues.

The procedure involves injecting a contrast dye into a vein, usually in the arm. The dye travels through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is filtered and then passes through the ureters to the bladder. X-rays are taken at various intervals to capture images of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder as the contrast dye moves through the urinary system. This allows doctors to observe how well the kidneys are functioning and whether there are any blockages, obstructions, or other issues in the urinary tract.

IVP was commonly used in the past, but in recent years, other imaging techniques such as CT scans or ultrasounds have largely replaced it due to their more detailed images and less invasive nature. However, IVP can still be useful in certain situations where other imaging methods are unavailable or not suitable.