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HelpTest ID BLOD0344 Valproic Acid, Free and Total, Serum
Useful For
Monitoring both total and free valproic acid levels in therapy
Assessing compliance
Evaluating potential toxicity
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| VALPF | Valproic Acid, Free, S | Yes | Yes |
| VALPA | Valproic Acid, Tot, S | Yes | Yes |
Method Name
VALPA: Immunoassay
VALPF: Ultrafiltration Followed by Immunoassay
Reporting Name
Valproic Acid, Free and Total, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Reference Values
VALPROIC ACID, TOTAL
Therapeutic: 50 (trough)-125 (peak) mcg/mL
Critical value: ≥151 mcg/mL
VALPROIC ACID, FREE
Therapeutic: 5-25 mcg/mL
Critical value: >30 mcg/mL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
VALPA-80164
VALPF-80165
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.