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Test Code VALPR VALPROIC ACID, SERUM OR PLASMA

Performing Laboratory

NorDx Laboratories

Useful For

Monitoring therapy, assessing compliance, and evaluating potential toxicity while receiving valproic acid treatment

Method Name

Immunoassay (IA)

Reference Values

Reference Range: 50 - 125 ug/mL

Toxic concentration: >150 ug/mL

Report Comment:

Therapeutic range: 50 - 100 ug/mL.
Therapeutic range for psychiatric uses: 50 - 125 ug/mL.

Valproic acid levels should be drawn as a trough (2 hours prior to the next scheduled dose) after 3-4 days of therapy to ensure steady-state is achieved, unless there is concern for toxicity in which case levels can be checked any time.  Total valproic acid levels should be interpreted with caution in the setting of hypoalbuminemia, uremia, free fatty acid adminstration (e.g., propofol or clevidipine or lipid emulsion), or medications that may displace valproate from albumin (e.g., aspirin or NSAIDs).

 

Days and Times Test Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

1 Day

Available Stat

Specimen Type

Submit one of the following:

~ Plasma

~ Serum

Preferred Container

Plasma Separator Tube (PST)

Serum Separator Tube (SST)

Preferred Volume

Plasma: 0.5 mL (Plasma Separator Tube (PST)) 

Serum: 0.5 mL (Serum Separator Tube (SST))

Minimum Volume

Plasma: 0.3 mL (Plasma Separator Tube (PST))

Serum: 0.3 mL (Serum Separator Tube (SST))

Specimen Collection and Handling

Spin specimen, separate from clot and send refrigerated.

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type: Plasma

Frozen: 3 Months

Refrigerated: 6 Days

Must be spun/separated within: 2 Hours

Note: Freeze at-20 for long term storage

Specimen Type: Serum

Frozen: 3 Months

Refrigerated: 6 Days

Must be spun/separated within: 2 Hours

Note: Freeze at-20 for long term storage

Add On Capable

Yes

Advance Beneficiary Notice Requirements

No ABN Required

CPT Code Information

CPT Code

CPT Description

CPT Disclaimer
80164 Drug Assay, Valproic Dipylacetic Acid, Total  

Keywords

DEPAKENE® (VALPROIC ACID)

DEPAKOTE® (VALPROIC ACID)

Performing Laboratory Location

NorDx Laboratories

Clinical Significance

Valproic acid is used for treatment of simple and complex absence seizures and as combination therapy with any of the other anticonvulsants for control of generalized seizures that include absence seizures.

LOINC Code Information

4086-5

Acceptable Alternative Container(s)

Red Top Tube