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Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Blood test
Blood test

Alternative Names    Return to top

VIP

Definition    Return to top

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is a substance found throughout the body, but the highest levels normally occur in the nervous system and gut. VIP has many functions:

A blood test can be done to find out how much VIP you have in your blood.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

For an infant or young child:

The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

You should not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test is used to confirm the presence of a VIPoma, a tumor that releases VIP.

Normal Results    Return to top

Less than 75 pg/ml (picograms per milliliter) is normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

A higher-than-normal level may be a sign of a VIPoma.

Risks    Return to top

The risks associated with having blood drawn are slight:

Considerations    Return to top

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

References    Return to top

Hadley ME, Levine JE. Endocrinology. 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007:220-221.

Update Date: 4/26/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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