Valproic Acid Level, Free

Synonyms

• DEPAKENE
• DEPAKOTE
• EPIVAL
• LAB25
• VALPROIC ACID LEVEL, FREE

Cerner Name

Valproic Acid Free

Clinical Info

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 Sources

Blood, Arterial Blood, Capillary Blood, Central Line Blood, Venous

Specimen Types

Blood

Specimen Volume

3 mL of serum (1.1 mL min)

Container

Red Top Tube

Collection Instructions

Container/Tube:  Red Top Tube
Specimen: 3 mL serum (1.1 mL min)
                             Do not use gel barrier tubes.
Centrifuge and immediately separate serum or plasma specimens from the cells into clean, plastic, screw-cap vial(s).
Do not use serum separator tubes. Submission of a serum separator tube will result in cancellation

Transport Instructions

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

14 Days Room Temperature
14 Days Refrigerated
14 Days Frozen

Methodology

Ultrafiltrate assayed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)

Days Performed

TAT: 3-5  Days

Performing Laboratories

LabCorp

CPT

80165

PDM

5400266

Results

Result Interpretation

Forms

• Discontinuation of Free (Unbound) Drug Concentration Test 02-15-2022
• Free (Unbound) Drug Concentrations Update 04-01-2022