Valproate Concentration Test
A blood test that measures the concentration of valproate, also called valproic acid, an anticonvulsant used for several neurologic and psychiatric conditions.
["The result helps your clinician determine whether your valproate dose may need adjustment or whether toxicity is possible."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54058-3
- Short code
- HEDIS 2009-13 MPM-E Valproate
- Synonyms
- HEDIS 2009-13 MPM-E Valproate
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 44
- Ref high
- 147
- Critical range
- — – 151 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 27550007
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures the amount of valproate, also known as valproic acid, in your blood. Valproate is a medicine used to control seizures and may also be prescribed for bipolar disorder or migraine prevention.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to check whether your valproate level is appropriate for your treatment. It may be checked when your symptoms change, after a dose adjustment, when starting or stopping interacting medicines, or if signs of medication toxicity appear.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, usually by a vein in your arm, and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory reports the measured valproate concentration for your clinician to interpret.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about when to take valproate and when the blood sample will be collected. Because timing can affect the result, do not change your dose or skip doses unless your clinician tells you to do so.
Reference range
Adult: 44-147 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A low valproate concentration may suggest that the prescribed dose is not providing adequate exposure, although missed doses and timing of the blood draw can also affect the result. A high concentration may increase the risk of side effects or toxicity, including excessive sleepiness, confusion, tremor, or liver-related problems. Results should be interpreted by your clinician using the laboratory's reference interval, your dose, timing, symptoms, and other medications.
Short name
Valproate
Frequently asked questions
What does a valproate concentration test measure?
Does the time of my last dose affect the result?
What if my valproate result is outside the laboratory's range?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy