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Valproic Acid
Test CodeLAB24
Alias/See Also
VPA; Depacon; Depakote; Depakene; Dipropylacetic Acid; Divalproex; Eplim; Valproate; VPA; Orlept; Stavzor
CPT Codes
80164
Preferred Specimen
"Routine venipuncture. One 4.5 mL light green top (heparin) tube or one 5 mL red/gold top serum separator tube."
Instructions
• Valproic acid monitoring is most appropriate when the blood sample is drawn after steady-state conditions have been reached
(after 4–5 half- lives on an unchanged dose regimen).
• For patients receiving valproic acid orally the blood sample should be drawn immediately before the next dose because of its short half-life.
• Valproic acid samples should be monitored at a consistent time of day because concentration is affected by circadian rhythm.
Specimen Stability
Room Temp 1 day, Refrigerated 1 day, Frozen- 14 days
Methodology
Two point rate
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
"Within 24 hours
Stat Available"
Stat Available"
Reference Range
"50-120 ug/mL
Critical Value: >151ug/mL"
Critical Value: >151ug/mL"
Clinical Significance
Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant drug used to control certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. It may be used alone or with other medications. Divalproex is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder and to prevent migraine headaches.
