Laboratory Test Reference Guide

Laboratory Information

Test Name

Valproate

Synonyms

Valproic acid, Epilim, Sodium Valproate

External Price (excl. GST)

17.5

Specimen Collection

Adult Specimen

Heparin (light green), SST (gold), "T-" labs SST (gold), Plain (red) for samples referred from Rural Hospitals

Specimen Collection and Transport Protocols

Sample should be collected at least 8 hours after the last dose.

Paediatric Specimen

0.4 mL Heparin (light green) or Plain(red).

Test Information

Department

Biochemistry

Test Availability

Mon - Sun, 24hrs

Laboratory Turnaround Time

3 hrs

Method

Cobas Pro online

Unit of measurement

umol/L

Reference interval

The minimum therapeutic level is considered to be 350 umol/L and toxicity may be teen at levels > 700 umol/L. However, there is a poor correlation between serum levels and effectiveness of Valproate. The dose can be adjusted on the basis of effectiveness balanced against side effects.

Routine measurement of Valproate is not clinically useful. Indications for testing include:

1) Assessing toxicity

2) Assessing compliance

3) Following adjustment of the dose

4) Adding or withdrawing drugs with potential drug – drug interactions.

Uncertainty of measurement

10%

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL plasma or serum.

Electronic Information

Registration Code

VALP

HL7 mapping code

$VALP

LOINC Code

14946-8