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Valproate, plasma or serum
Alternate test name
Valproic Acid, Depakene, Epival
Lab area
Clinical Biochemistry - TDM & Toxicology
Method and equipment
Equipment : Roche Cobas Pro c503
Method : The assay is based on a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay technique used for the quantitative analysis of valproic acid (free and protein‑bound)
in human serum or plasma. The assay is based on competition between drug in the sample and drug labeled with the enzyme glucose‑6‑phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) for antibody binding sites. Enzyme activity decreases upon binding to the antibody, so the drug concentration in the sample can be measured in terms of enzyme activity. Active enzyme converts oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to NADH, resulting in an absorbance change that is measured spectrophotometrically. Endogenous serum G6PDH does not interfere because the coenzyme functions only with the bacterial (Leuconostoc mesenteroides) enzyme employed in the assay.
in human serum or plasma. The assay is based on competition between drug in the sample and drug labeled with the enzyme glucose‑6‑phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) for antibody binding sites. Enzyme activity decreases upon binding to the antibody, so the drug concentration in the sample can be measured in terms of enzyme activity. Active enzyme converts oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to NADH, resulting in an absorbance change that is measured spectrophotometrically. Endogenous serum G6PDH does not interfere because the coenzyme functions only with the bacterial (Leuconostoc mesenteroides) enzyme employed in the assay.
Expected turn-around time
STAT/ Urgent/ Routine: 2 hours
Specimen type
Serum, Plasma Lithium Heparin
Specimen requirements
150 uL
Storage and transportation
4°C (transport with a cool pack if possible)
Shipping information
The Hospital for Sick Children
Rapid Response Laboratory
555 University Avenue, Room 3642
Toronto, ON
Canada
M5G 1X8
Phone: 416-813-7200
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day
Requisition
Background and clinical significance
Valproic acid is used in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures which occur either alone or in association with other types of seizures. Valproic acid may be used solely or in combination with other anticonvulsant drugs. The capability of treating many different types of seizures has resulted in the wide-spread use of valproic acid, particularly in children. Most patients receiving valproic acid do not develop a tolerance to its anticonvulsant effects. Valproic acid is generally well tolerated, with the most common side effects being: headache, gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), nervous system (tremors) and thrombocytopenia.
Disease condition
Anticonvulsant
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Customer Service
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Local: 416-813-7200