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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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VALPROIC ACID, FREE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3231    Geisinger Epic ID:  38739

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum (preferred) or plasma


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
6 mL dark blue-top (K2 EDTA) tube
6 mL dark blue-top (trace element, no additive) tube
3 mL lavender-top (K2 EDTA) tube
Specimen required: 

3 mL serum; minimum 1 mL


Special notes: 

Avoid contact of samples with plasticizers, varnishes, paint fumes, and fatty acids. Do not use gel barrier tubes. Optimum time to collect sample is 1 hour before next dose.


Patient preparation: 

Collect as trough just before next dose.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Centrifuge and immediately separate serum or plasma specimens from the cells into clean, plastic, screw-capped vial(s). Transport refrigerated (cold packs).


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 2 days. Refrigerated: 7 days. Frozen: 60 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Specimen collected in serum separator (gel) tube.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  80165
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Fluorescent Polarization Immunoassay (FPIA)
Synonyms: 

Depakene, Depakote, Epilim, Stavzor, Quest test code 3314, VALPF


Clinical significance: 

Valproic acid is a broad spectrum anticonvulsant for the treatment of absence seizures. It is effective in the management of generalized tonic-clonic and myoconic seizures, as well as grand mal and petit mal.


Review Date:  12/04/2024

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