Valproic Acid (Depakene®) Free

Test ID: 

704011

CPT code:

80165

Synonyms:

Valproic Acid, Free, Serum or Plasma

Depacon

Depakene®

Depakote®

Free Valproic Acid

Stavzor™

Valproate

Clinical Use:

Since valproic acid is highly bound, drugs that compete for protein binding sites can increase the amount of free valproic acid (biologically active protein); these include dicumarol, high dose salicylates, and phenylbutazone. If toxicity is suspected, a free valproic acid level should be obtained.

Specimen Type:

Serum or plasma

Requested Volume: 

3 mL

Minimum Volume: 

1.1 mL

Container Type: 

Red-top tube or lavender-top (EDTA) tube. Do not use a gel-barrier tube. The use of gel-barrier tubes is not recommended due to slow absorption of the drug by the gel. Depending on the specimen volume and storage time, the decrease in drug level due to absorption may be clinically significant.

Collection:

Transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube.

Storage Instructions:

Room temperature

Stability Requirements:

Rejection Criteria

Gel-barrier tube; hemolysis; serum or plasma not removed from cells