The CIRS Retest Before VIP Panel is a targeted blood panel designed for individuals in the final stages of the Shoemaker Protocol. It helps determine whether you’re ready to safely initiate VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) by re-evaluating critical inflammatory markers and ensuring key systems, particularly immune and pancreatic, are stable.
This is not an initial CIRS diagnostic test. It is intended only as a retest for clients and patients progressing through the protocol who have already completed earlier testing and treatment phases.
Why it matters
VIP can be a powerful therapeutic tool in the final phase of the Shoemaker Protocol, but it should only be initiated once certain inflammatory markers have normalized. Rechecking these labs helps prevent setbacks and ensures your body is ready for the final step in recovery. This test also monitors pancreatic enzymes that can become elevated during biotoxin illness, offering a broader view of your readiness for VIP.
What this includes
You’ll receive a LabCorp requisition for the following markers
- CIRS Inflammatory Markers:
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- TGF-β1 – Tracks immune overactivation and fibrotic changes
- MMP-9 – Assesses vascular inflammation and tissue penetration by immune cells
- C4a – Indicates complement cascade activation and systemic inflammation
- MSH – Regulates immune, sleep, and endocrine balance; often low in CIRS
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- Lipase – Elevated levels may indicate pancreatic inflammation or stress
- Amylase – Assesses pancreatic and digestive enzyme function
- Metabolic Health Markers:
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- CBC with Differential – Screens for immune activity, infection, and anemia
- CMP-14 – Assesses liver, kidney, electrolyte, and glucose status
- Lipid Panel with Non-HDL Cholesterol – Evaluates cholesterol and lipid trends, especially while on binders
You’ll also receive Empower Functional Health:
- A personalized written analysis by the EFH practitioner team, with prioritized action steps.
- Supplement, nutrition, and lifestyle suggestions tailored to your results.
- You may also opt to join our CIRS Group for community and practitioner support (additional fees apply).
How it works
- Once you purchase the panel, you’ll receive an email with instructions and a lab requisition form.
- Visit your nearest LabCorp location to complete your blood draw (fasting is recommended unless otherwise advised).
- Results are sent directly to EFH within 3–4 weeks. Once received, results will be reviewed by Empower Functional Health.
- You’ll receive a personalized analysis and actionable next steps via email.
- For in-depth case management or interpretation, a separate 1-on-1 session is recommended.
Important notes
- This is a VIP-readiness retest only, not a full diagnostic panel
- Not available in NY, NJ, or RI. Available in the U.S. only.
- If you’d like an invoice to submit for out-of-network insurance reimbursement, please note that at checkout.
- For most suffering from chronic Lyme, CIRS, mold illness, or unresolved inflammation, we recommend pairing this panel with the Empower Functional Health Personalized Health Plan (PHP).
