CPT Code: 80164
Order Code: C1350
ABN Requirement: No
Synonyms: VPA; Depakene; Dipropylacetic Acid; Depakote
Specimen: EDTA Plasma or Red Top Serum
Volume: 1.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL
Container: EDTA (Lavender Top) tube or Red Top (no gel barrier) tube
Collection:
EDTA Plasma:
-
- Draw and gently invert 8 to 10 times.
- Centrifuge for 10 minutes.
- Pre-squeeze transfer pipet bulb and draw off approximately 2/3 of the upper plasma layer.
Note: This ensures that the buffy coat and red cells remain undisturbed. - Aliquot plasma into labeled transport tube labeled as “EDTA plasma” and cap tightly.
- Store transport tube refrigerated at 2-8°C until ready to ship.
Red Top Serum:
-
- Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
- Gently invert tube 10 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.
- Allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
- Centrifuge for 10 minutes.
- Aliquot serum into labeled transport tube labeled as “Red Top Serum” and cap tightly.
Special Instructions: Sample should be collected as a trough immediately prior to the administration of the next dose of valproic acid. Write the date and time of the last dose of valproic acid on the requisition. Centrifuge and immediately separate serum or plasma specimens from the cells into clean, plastic, screw-cap vial(s). Do not use SST gel barrier tubes.
Transport: Store serum at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions included with the provided shipping box.
Stability:
Ambient (15-25°C): 5 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Causes for Rejection: Improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits; specimen collected in serum separator tube (SST)
Methodology: Immunoassay (IA)
Turn Around Time: 2 to 3 days
Reference Range:
| Age | mg/L |
| All Ages | 50.0 – 100.0 |
Priority Values:
| Age | Priority 1 Value (mg/L) |
| All Ages | ≥150.0 |
Clinical Significance: Valproic acid is used as an anticonvulsant to treat certain types of seizures, to prevent migraine headaches and to treat various psychiatric illnesses such as bipolar disorder and aggression. Drugs that compete for protein-binding sites with valproic acid can increase the concentration of valproic acid. Therapeutic drug monitoring is useful to optimize dose.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.