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Valproic Acid
MessagePerforming Lab: Lakeview, Regions, Westfields
Test Code
640
Alias/See Also
Sunquest: VALP, Depakene; Depakote; Total Valproic Acid
CPT Codes
80164
Includes
Time of Last dose: Valproic Acid
Preferred Specimen
0.2 mL Lithium Heparin Plasma (light green-top)
Minimum Volume
0.1 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Serum (gold-top, red-top, red/gray-top), Lithium Heparin (light green-top) on ICE
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: 1 day
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen :14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen :14 days
Methodology
Colorometric - Two-Point Rate
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Same Day
Reference Range
50.0 - 120.0 mcg/mL
Critical Value:
(Adult) >= 150 mcg/mL
(<16 Years) >=180 mcg/mL
Critical Value:
(Adult) >= 150 mcg/mL
(<16 Years) >=180 mcg/mL
Clinical Significance
Serum or plasma valproic acid measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of valproic acid overdose and in monitoring levels of valproic acid to ensure appropriate therapy.
Valproic acid is used as sole or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types, which include absence seizures. High concentrations of valproic acid may lead to central nervous system depression, tremor, and thrombocytopenia. Very high concentrations of valproic acid may also increase the risk of developing fatal hepatotoxicity, stupor, coma, or cerebral edema.
Valproic acid is extensively metabolized by the liver. Other coadministered drugs, including other antiepileptics, may induce or inhibit the drug metabolizing enzymes of the liver. When these drugs are added or removed from the therapeutic regimen of a patient, the clearance and concentration of valproic acid may be altered, requiring dosage adjustment.
Valproic acid is used as sole or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple and complex absence seizures, and adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types, which include absence seizures. High concentrations of valproic acid may lead to central nervous system depression, tremor, and thrombocytopenia. Very high concentrations of valproic acid may also increase the risk of developing fatal hepatotoxicity, stupor, coma, or cerebral edema.
Valproic acid is extensively metabolized by the liver. Other coadministered drugs, including other antiepileptics, may induce or inhibit the drug metabolizing enzymes of the liver. When these drugs are added or removed from the therapeutic regimen of a patient, the clearance and concentration of valproic acid may be altered, requiring dosage adjustment.
