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Valproic Acid

Test Code
VALP


Alias/See Also
Depakote, Depakene, Depacon, VALP


Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL plasma (0.5 mL minimum)


Instructions
Trough:  Collect specimen just before the next dose.


Transport Container
PST (light green top). Red top and SST also acceptable


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 2 hours, Refrigerated: 8 hours, Frozen: 2 months


Reference Range
50.0 - 100.0 ug/mL


Clinical Significance
Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant drug. For purposes of diagnosis and treatment, results of this test should always be interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, clinical presentation and other findings. Valproic acid is used alone or with other anticonvulsants in the prophylactic management of simple and complex absence (petit mal) seizures. The drugs may also be used in conjunction with other anticonvulsants in the management of multiple seizure types which include absence seizures. Valproic acid has been considered by some clinicians to be the drug of choice in the management of myoclonic seizures.




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.