Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (Plasma/GI Tube)

What this laboratory test evaluates

DetailsVasoactive Intestinal Peptide (Plasma/GI Tube) – Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid multifunctional peptide that is involved in gastrointestinal, vasodilator, and neuroendocrine functions.

VIP is derived from larger pro-molecules that often exhibit the same or greater immunogenicity than the native VIP. It is structurally related to phim, glucagon, secretin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, corticotropin-releasing factor, and growth hormone-releasing hormone. VIP stimulates pituitary release of prolactin, growth hormone, and ACTH. It stimulates luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, serotonin, gastric somatostatin, steroids, and renin. VIP inhibits the release of gastrin, hypothalamic somatostatin, and histamine. VIP release is stimulated by cholinergic agonists, atropine, serotonin, prostaglandins e1 and d2, and nerve growth factor. VIP actions are inhibited by corticosteroids, dopamine, and opiate agonists. Elevated levels of VIP are found in patients with vipomas, hepatic cirrhosis, and Verner-Morrison's (watery diarrhea) syndrome. Decreased levels are found in cystic fibrosis.

What type of sample is required for this test?1 mL plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Test ResourcesFor more information, please consult your healthcare provider.

Additional test information

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (Plasma/GI Tube) – Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is a 28 amino acid multifunctional peptide that is involved in gastrointestinal, vasodilator, and neuroendocrine functions.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Plasma
• Fasting: Yes
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Digestive Conditions and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.