Valproic Acid  (VAL ACID)
                             
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				| Synonyms:                              
                         | Depakote | 
			
				| Specimen:   | Blood: (1) Red (no preservative) top vacutainer tube.
Collect as a trough sample prior to dose or at least 6 hours after last dose completion.  
Peak level should be drawn 1-3 hours after dose.
Include last dose information on request form. | 
			
				|                         Volume:   | Full primary tube | 
			
				| Minimum Volume:   | 200 uL serum | 
			
				| Collection:   | Transfer serum to a tightly capped plastic aliquot tube within 2 hours of collection for transport.
Refrigerate at 2-8°C for 24 hours;  freeze at -20°C for longer storage. | 
			
				| Rejection Criteria:   | Specimen collecterd in a SST (serum separator tube); Improper labeling. | 
			
				| Reference Range:   | Therapeutic- 50-100 mcg/mL  Toxic- greater than or equal to 175 | 
			
				| Methodology:   |  | 
			
				| Test Use:   | Therapeutic monitoring | 
			
				| Additional Information:   |  | 
			
				| Testing Includes:   | Valproic acid | 
			
				| Testing Facility:   | AnMed Laboratory |