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Medical information Clinical review pending

Gastroenterology Testing

Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide VIP Test

The Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) Test measures VIP levels in the blood to help diagnose certain gastrointestinal disorders, particularly those involving excessive secretion or motility issues.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
3 mL (1.5 mL minimum) plasma collected in a Lavender Top (EDTA) tube.
Results
Results are typically available 2 to 3 weeks after the sample is received by the laboratory. Samples should be submitted by the 7th of the month for timely processing.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Specific preparation instructions may be provided by your doctor.
Test priceKSh 44,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide VIP Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Chronic diarrhea
  • ✓Abdominal pain
  • ✓Unexplained weight loss
  • ✓Suspected VIPoma
  • ✓Evaluation of neuroendocrine tumors
  • ✓Assessment of certain gastrointestinal motility disorders
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps in the diagnosis and management of conditions associated with abnormal Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) levels, such as VIPoma and certain types of diarrhea.
The Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) Test is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate gastrointestinal health. VIP is a neuropeptide involved in regulating intestinal functions. Abnormal levels can indicate specific gastrointestinal conditions.

This test measures the concentration of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in your plasma. Elevated levels may suggest conditions like VIPoma, a rare tumor causing severe diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances.

Individuals experiencing chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss may benefit from this test. It can also be useful for those with a family history of gastrointestinal disorders or those at risk for neuroendocrine tumors.

This test aids in the accurate diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders, guides treatment decisions, and helps monitor disease progression. Interpreting results requires medical expertise; your healthcare provider will explain the findings and any necessary follow-up.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. Specific preparation instructions may be provided by your doctor.
Sample3 mL (1.5 mL minimum) plasma collected in a Lavender Top (EDTA) tube.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test measures VIP levels at a single point in time. Results may be affected by certain medications or physiological states. Interpretation requires clinical correlation.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

VIP is a naturally occurring peptide in the body that plays a role in regulating various functions, including intestinal motility and secretion.
This test is performed to measure VIP levels in the blood, often to help diagnose conditions like VIPoma or investigate causes of chronic diarrhea.
The plasma sample must be separated within 2 hours of collection, frozen immediately, and shipped frozen. It should not be thawed before reaching the lab.
Interpreting VIP test results requires medical expertise. Elevated levels may indicate certain conditions, but your doctor will explain the results in the context of your overall health.
Please consult your doctor or the laboratory for any specific preparation instructions required before the test.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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