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HelpTest ID VALPG Valproic Acid, Free and Total, Serum
Useful For
Monitoring both total and free valproic acid levels in therapy
Assessing compliance
Evaluating potential toxicity
Specimen 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 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.