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Test Code VAL VALPROIC ACID

Methodology

Particle-Enhanced Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay (PETINIA)

Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of epilepsy. This test is helpful in monitoring therapy, determining compliance, and assessing toxicity.

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Preferred:

Serum

Serum Gel Tube

Container/Tube: Serum gel tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of serum

Collection Instructions: Draw blood just prior to next dose. Spin down within 4 hours of draw.

Note: 

1. Date and time of last dose and time of draw are required.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

 

Alternate:

Serum

Plain, Red-Top Tube

Container/Tube: Plain, red-top tube(s)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of serum

Collection Instructions: Draw blood just prior to next dose. Spin down within 4 hours of draw.

Note: 

1. Date and time of last dose and time of draw are required.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

 

Plasma

Container/Tube: Green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL (minimum volume: .05 mL) of plasma

Collection Instructions: Draw blood just prior to next dose. Spin down within 4 hours of draw.

Note: 

1. Date and time of last dose and time of draw are required.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Reference Values

Therapeutic concentration: 50-100 µg/mL

 

Critical concentration (automatic call-back):  

        <18 Years      > 120 µg/mL

         ≥18 Years      > 150 µg/mL

Note: 

1. Pediatric patients with generalized or mixed seizure disorders may show improved seizure control with trough concentrations of 100 µg/mL to 200 µg/mL

2. The therapeutic trough serum concentration for treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder is 50 µg/mL to 125 µg/mL.

Performing Laboratory

Logan Health Medical Center-Chemistry

Test Classification and CPT Coding

80164

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate