VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL POLYPEPTIDE (VIP) - plasma
Specimen:
5 mL blood in EDTA tube; some laboratories require an EDTA/Trasylol tube. Patient
must be fasting. Plasma must be separated immediately and frozen.
Method: Immunoassay.
Reference Interval: <30 pmol/L.
Application: Investigation of persistent unexplained diarrhoea.
Interpretation: The presence of elevated levels of VIP in a patient with persistent
severe diarrhoea associated with elevated levels of faecal sodium (secretory diarrhoea)
indicates the presence of a tumour secreting VIP (“VIPoma”). These are usually located
in the pancreas.
Reference: Mekhjian HS and O’Dorisio TM. Semin Oncol 1987; 14: 282-291.
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