A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Valproic Acid (Depakene)
MessageFor Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.
Test Code
VALP
Alias/See Also
916;
Depakene;
Depakote;
Depakote VPA;
Valproate; VPA;
Depakene;
Depakote;
Depakote VPA;
Valproate; VPA;
CPT Codes
80164
Preferred Specimen
serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
plasma from Lithium Heparin (Light Green Top) tube
Instructions
Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes or plasma separator tubes) are preferred. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum/plasma must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Transport Container
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature = 2 days
Refrigerated = 7 days
Frozen = 3 months
Refrigerated = 7 days
Frozen = 3 months
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Methodology
immunoassay
Setup Schedule
DAILY
AU
AU
Report Available
daily
Clinical Significance
Valproic acid is used as an anticonvulsant to treat certain types of seizures, to prevent migranine headaches, and to treat various psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder and aggression. Drugs that compete for protein-binding sites can increase the concentration of Valproic Acid.
Performing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439
Last Updated: November 23, 2021