Test Name: VALPROIC ACID, FREE
Test Code: 2199531
Alias: Depakene, Free
Depakote, Free
LAB25
VPA, Free
CPT Code(s): 80165  
Preferred Specimen: 3 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)
Container: Plain Red (no additive/gel)
Alternate Container:

Serum collected in: No additive (royal blue-top) tube • Plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) or EDTA (royal blue-top) tube
Minimum Volume: 1.0 mL serum or plasma
Collection Instructions:

Do not use gel barrier tubes. Centrifuge for 15 minutes as soon as the specimen is clotted. Transfer the serum or plasma immediately into a properly labeled transfer tube. Specify specimen type (serum or plasma) on transfer tube.
Transport Temperature: Refrigerated
Stability:

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 60 days
Rejection Criteria: Specimens collected in SST (gold)
Schedule:

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-2 days
Method: Immunoassay (IA)
Performing Lab:

Quest Diagnostics - Valencia; #3314
Clinical Significance: Valproic Acid, Free - Valproic acid is used as an anticonvulsant to treat certain types of seizures, to prevent migraine headahces, and to treat various psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder and aggression. Drugs that compete from protein-binding sites with valproic acid, can increase the concentration of valproic acid. Measurement of the free concentration is useful if toxicity is suspected.
Use: Updated 02/16/22
Reference Ranges: 4.8-17.3 mg/L

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.
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