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HelpTest Code LAB24 Valproic Acid
Performing Laboratory
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center / Asante Three Rivers Medical Center
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Billing Code
2051365
Methodology
Turbidimetric Inhibition
Specimen Requirements
RRMC:
Lithium Heparin Green top tube
Outpatient clients MUST draw SST
TRMC:
Plain Red top tube No SST or PST
TROUGH levels should be drawn 15 minutes prior to next dose, please provide last dose information
Day(s) Test Set Up
Routine – same day
ASAP – 2 hours after receipt of specimen in lab
STAT – 1 hour after receipt of specimen in lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
80164 - Dipropylacetic acid (valproic acid)
Additional Information
Valproic acid (Depakene) is used for the treatment of grand mal epilepsy and petit mal epilepsy in children, often in combination with other anticonvulsant drugs, and may also be prescribed for bipolar disease. It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration with a peak concentration occurring within 4 hours. Because of the relatively short half life and rapid absorption, serum concentrations fluctuate markedly. Very little of the drug is metabolized and most appears in the urine unchanged. The main side effect is fatigue which may be associated with hypersalivation.
Specimen Transport Temperature and Stability
Centrifuge and refrigerate within 2 hours of collection
Primary tube: Spun SST stable 48 hours at 2° to 8° C
Serum stable 48 hours if aliquoted and refrigerated at 2° to 8° C
Performing Department
Chemistry
Reasons for Rejection
Icterus
Lipemia
Hemolysis
Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
Lack of Two Patient Identifiers:
1-Patient's First & Last name
2-Patient's Date of Birth