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HelpTest Code VALP Valproic Acid
Specimen Type
Serum
Container/Tube
Red Top
Offsite Collection Instructions
Peak level: 30 min after completion of
dose
Trough level: 30 min before next dose
1. Collect sample following standard collection methods
2. Within 2 hours of collection the sample must be spun and
aliquoted
3. Transport refrigerated (2 – 8C).
Turnaround Time
4 hours
Test Includes
N/A
Preferred Volume
0.5 mL
UCMC Collection Instructions
Peak level: 30 min after completion of
dose
Trough level: 30 min before next dose
1. Collect sample following standard collection methods
2. Within 2 hours of collection the sample must be received in
Laboratory Service Center
3. Transport room temperature (15 – 25C).
STAT Turnaround Time
1 hour
Test Usage
Useful for monitoring therapy, assessing compliance and
evaluating potential valproic acid toxicity.
Critical Results
>200 µg/mL
Test Limitations
Co-administration of other anti-epileptic drugs can
significantly affect valproic acid metabolism. Several factors
complicate interpretation of valproic acid levels, including
time
interval between drug administration and blood sampling, the
type
of seizures treated, albumin concentration and factors
affecting
albumin binding of valproic acid , and the presence of other
anti-epileptic drugs and pharmacologically-active metabolites
of
valproic acid.
Fee Code
43683
Synonyms
Depakote
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
DAY(S) AND TIME(S) PERFORMED
24 hours, 7 days a week including holidays
STAT DAY(S) AND TIME(S) PERFORMED
Available
CPT
80164
Method Name
Homogeneous Enzyme Immunoassay Technique (EMIT)
Reference Values
therapeutic range: 50 – 100 µg/mL
Reject Due To
Whole blood/unspun samples greater than 6 hours will be
rejected.
Additional Information
N/A
Included in Additional codes
N/A
Coverage Information
N/A
Stability: Room Temp
2 days
Stability: Refrigerated
7 days
Stability: Frozen
3 months