Valproic Acid, Free
Order Code:
VPAF
Test Summary
Valproic acid is used as an anticonvulsant to treat certain types of seizures, to prevent migraine headaches, and to treat various psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder and aggression. Drugs that compete from protein-binding sites with valproic acid, can increase the concentration of valproic acid. Measurement of the free concentration is useful if toxicity is suspected.
Aliases
- N/A
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
3 mL serum collected red-top tube (no gel)
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Do not use gel barrier tubes. Centrifuge and immediately separate serum or plasma specimens from the cells into clean, plastic, screw-cap vial(s).
Do not use serum separator tubes. Submission of a serum separator tube will result in cancellation.
Do not use serum separator tubes. Submission of a serum separator tube will result in cancellation.
Patient Preparation
Avoid contact of samples with plasticizers, varnishes, paint fumes, and fatty acids. Collect as a trough just before next dose (Optimum time to collect sample: 1 hour before next dose.).
Storage
Plastic screw-cap vial(s)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 48 hours
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 60 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
Serum collected in no additive (royal blue-top) tube • Plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) or EDTA (royal blue-top) tube
Unacceptable Specimens
Serum separator tube (SST®)
Order Code
VPAF
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB3513
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
- 80165
Billing Code
- 670763
CPT Statement
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
Department
Reference Testing
Reference Range
4.8-17.3 mg/L
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday morning; Report available: Next day
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
3 mL serum collected red-top tube (no gel)
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Do not use gel barrier tubes. Centrifuge and immediately separate serum or plasma specimens from the cells into clean, plastic, screw-cap vial(s).
Do not use serum separator tubes. Submission of a serum separator tube will result in cancellation.
Do not use serum separator tubes. Submission of a serum separator tube will result in cancellation.
Patient Preparation
Avoid contact of samples with plasticizers, varnishes, paint fumes, and fatty acids. Collect as a trough just before next dose (Optimum time to collect sample: 1 hour before next dose.).
Storage
Plastic screw-cap vial(s)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 48 hours
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 60 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
Serum collected in no additive (royal blue-top) tube • Plasma collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) or EDTA (royal blue-top) tube
Unacceptable Specimens
Serum separator tube (SST®)
Result Information
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
4.8-17.3 mg/L
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday morning; Report available: Next day