Final answer:
It is important to ask patients about shellfish allergies before an IVP because the iodine-based contrast used in the procedure may cause an allergic reaction in those with shellfish allergies. Informing healthcare providers allows them to take necessary precautions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients scheduled for an Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP), which is a type of imaging test of the kidneys and urinary tract, are asked about shellfish allergies because the contrast material used in an IVP contains iodine. Shellfish, particularly oysters and other marine creatures, contain high levels of iodine, which is similar to the iodine-based contrast used in medical imaging. Individuals who are allergic to shellfish may have a hypersensitivity to iodine because of the similarities in the allergens. During an IVP, a contrast dye containing iodine is injected into the bloodstream, and if a patient has a shellfish allergy, they may have a higher risk of an allergic reaction to the iodine contrast. Knowing about the allergy beforehand allows healthcare providers to take precautions, such as using alternative contrast agents or pre-medicating the patient to minimize the risk of a reaction.