Valproic Acid Drug Level
Label Mnemonic: VALP
Epic code: LAB25
Order form: Laboratory Requisition
Supply order: Supply Order Form
Billing: Billing Policies
CPT code: 80164
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood in light green top tube or ONE Microtainer®.
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
50-100 μg/mL

Critical value: >150 μg/mL
Test Limitations:
Criterion: recovery plus or minus 10% of initial value at 
concentrations of 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL.

Icterus: No significant interference from bilirubin up to an I index 
of 
30 (approximate bilirubin concentration: 30 mg/dL).

Hemolysis: No significant interference from hemoglobin up to an H 
index 
of 500 (approximate hemoglobin concentration: 500 mg/dL).

Lipemia (Intralipid): No significant interference up to an L index of 
500 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 1000 mg/dL). There is 
poor correlation between turbidity and triglycerides concentration.

No significant interference from total protein of 2-12 g/dL.
Methodology:
Homogenous Enzyme Immunoassay
Sample Processing:
Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).
Transport Instructions:
Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
80164
 
See Additional Information:
Chemistry Critical Lab Values