Description
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
This test measures the level of valproic acid in the blood. Valproic acid is a medication commonly used to treat seizure disorders, bipolar disorder, and certain neurological conditions.
Monitoring blood levels helps ensure that medication concentrations remain within a therapeutic range.
Overview
Valproic acid (also known as divalproex sodium or valproate) is used to manage several neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Blood level testing helps evaluate whether the medication level is within an appropriate range and supports medication monitoring during treatment.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the concentration of valproic acid in the bloodstream.
Results may help evaluate:
- Therapeutic medication levels
- Possible subtherapeutic levels
- Potential elevated levels
Common Reasons for Testing
Valproic acid testing is commonly performed for:
- Monitoring seizure medication therapy
- Bipolar disorder treatment monitoring
- Medication dose evaluation
- Follow-up testing during treatment
- Evaluation of symptoms that may be related to medication levels
Clinical Notes
Therapeutic drug monitoring helps assess whether medication levels fall within the expected treatment range.
Timing of blood collection may be important depending on when the medication dose was last taken.
Fasting: Not required
