Valproic Acid
Test Code: 916
CPT Code(s): 80164
Methodology: Immunoassay (IA)
Clinical Significance: Valproic acid is used as an anticonvulsant to treat certain types of seizures, to prevent migraine headaches and to treat various psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder and aggression. Drugs that compete for protein-binding sites with valproic acid can increase the concentration of valproic acid. Therapeutic drug monitoring is useful to optimize dose. Measurement of the free concentration is useful if toxicity is suspected.
Additional names: Depakene®, Dipropylacetic Acid, Divalproex, Depakote®
Supply: Supply #T64 Red Serum (NO GEL) 6mL
Preferred Specimen: Serum
Alternate Specimen: Plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top), sodium heparin (green-top), lithium heparin (green-top), sodium fluoride or potassium oxalate (gray-top), or 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube
Preferred Volume: 2 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Transport Container: Red Top Tube (NO GEL)
Collection Instructions: Do not use gel barrier tubes. Centrifuge and immediately separate serum or plasma specimens from the cells into clean transport tube. / Collect as a trough just prior to next dose.
Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
Specimen Stability:
Room Temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Rejection Criteria:
- Serum Separator Tube (SST)
For additional supply or collection device information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed.