Valproate, Serum/Plasma — Qualitative Test
A blood test that checks whether the medicine valproate is detectable in serum or plasma, without reporting an exact concentration.
["This test shows whether valproate is present, but a quantitative level is needed to evaluate dosing or possible toxicity."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72935-0
- Short code
- Valproate (neut) IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Valproate (neut) IgM SerPl Ql FC
- 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
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- 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?
Valproate is a medicine used for certain types of seizures and bipolar disorder. This qualitative blood test checks whether valproate is detectable in the serum or plasma portion of the blood.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may use this test to confirm that valproate is being taken or is present in the blood. It may also be considered when medication use is uncertain or there is concern about excessive exposure, although a quantitative valproate level is usually more informative for dosing.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and separated into serum or plasma in the laboratory. The sample is then examined to determine whether valproate can be detected; this qualitative result does not provide an exact concentration.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about when to take valproate before the blood draw. Because the result can depend on recent doses and sampling time, tell the laboratory when you last took the medicine. Do not stop or change your dose without medical advice.
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 detectable result confirms that valproate is present but does not by itself show that the dose is appropriate or that toxicity is occurring. A not-detected result may reflect a missed dose, inadequate absorption, a long interval since the last dose, or testing limitations. Interpretation should consider symptoms, timing, medication adherence, and the need for a quantitative concentration test.
Short name
Qualitative Valproate Test
Frequently asked questions
Does this test measure how much valproate is in my blood?
Why might a clinician order both qualitative and quantitative valproate testing?
Should I stop taking valproate before this test?
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