Specimen Required

Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lithium Heparin (Mint)
Acceptable: Serum gel, Tiger top, Red top
Specimen Volume: 1.0 mL
 

Collection Instructions:

To obtain a serum valproic acid concentration that best represents the peak tissue level, draw the sample 1 to 3 hours after an oral dose is given. Collect a trough sample just before the next scheduled dose.

Plasma gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. 4 hours is acceptable.
Serum gel tubes should be fully clotted and centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. 4 hours is acceptable.
Red-top tubes should be fully clotted, centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.4 hours is acceptable.