Laboratory Services

Valproic Acid, Free, Serum

Name: Incyte Diagnostics
Address: 13103 E Mansfield Ave, Spokane Valley, Washington, 99216, USA
Telephone: +1-

Updated Test Information:

Test Description	Valproic Acid, Free, Serum
Synonym(s)	Divalproex ,Valproate, Depakene (Valproic Acid), Depakane (Valproic Acid), Free Valproic Acid, Valproic Acid, Free and Total, VALPROIC ACID, FREE
Test ID	VALPF
General Information	Useful for monitoring free valproic acid in therapy, assessing compliance, evaluating potential toxicity
Container Type	Preferred: SST Acceptable: Red Top Tube
Specimen Type	Serum
Specimen Requirements	2mL
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions	1. SSTs should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. 2. Red Top Tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.
Minimum Sample Volume	1mL
Stability	Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days Frozen: 28 days Ambient: 72 hours
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions	Gross hemolysis
Methodology	Ultrafiltration Followed by Immunoassay
Estimated TAT	1-2 Days
Testing Schedule	Daily
Retention	7 Days
CPT Code(s)	80165
Reference Range	Therapeutic: 5-25 mcg/mL Critical value: >30 mcg/mL
Performing Lab	Mayo
LOINC Code(s)	4087-3
Collection File	View/Download File
Additional Information	The generally acceptable range for total valproic acid used as a reference to guide therapy is 50 to 125 mcg/mL. The corresponding range of free valproic acid concentration for clinical reference is 5 to 25 mcg/mL. Low free valproic acid concentration relative to these ranges may suggest inadequate dosing, whereas a high free valproic acid concentration may be associated with toxic effects. Because the concentration of valproic acid fluctuates considerably depending on the time from last dose, interpretation of the clinical significance of the valproic acid concentration must take into consideration the timing of the blood specimen. For this reason, 2 collections are sometimes made to assess the trough and peak concentrations.