JamunJar: Health & Wealth for a better tomorrow

🧪 What is the Valproic Acid Test?

The Valproic Acid (also called valproate) test measures the concentration of valproic acid in the blood. Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug used primarily in the treatment of:

Epilepsy (generalized and focal seizures)
Bipolar disorder (manic episodes)
Migraine prophylaxis

Therapeutic drug monitoring ensures efficacy while avoiding toxicity.

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Optimize dosing by targeting a therapeutic range
Assess compliance in patients on valproate therapy
Prevent toxicity, especially in patients with risk factors (hepatic impairment, polytherapy)
Investigate treatment failure or breakthrough seizures
Monitor in special populations (children, pregnant women, liver disease)

📊 Normal (Therapeutic) Range

Trough Valproate Level	Interpretation
50 – 100 µg/mL (350–700 µmol/L)	Target range for most seizure disorders
80 – 125 µg/mL	May be required for bipolar disorder management

Toxicity risk increases when levels exceed 100–120 µg/mL.

📈 Interpretation of Results

Level	Clinical Significance
< 50 µg/mL	Subtherapeutic—risk of breakthrough seizures or mood relapse
50–100 µg/mL	Therapeutic for epilepsy—likely effective
80–125 µg/mL	Therapeutic for mania
> 100–120 µg/mL	Increased risk of adverse effects (hepatotoxicity, CNS depression)
> 150 µg/mL	Toxic—nausea, tremor, ataxia, sedation; risk of hyperammonemia, encephalopathy

🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions

Organ/System	Potential Effects
Liver	Hepatotoxicity—monitor LFTs, risk higher in young children
Central Nervous System	CNS depression, tremor, ataxia, sedation
Gastrointestinal	Nausea, vomiting
Hematologic	Thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction
Metabolic	Hyperammonemia, pancreatitis

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin) — baseline and periodic
Ammonia level — if encephalopathy suspected
Complete blood count (CBC) — monitor platelets, blood dyscrasias
Serum electrolytes — valproate can affect sodium levels
Therapeutic levels of companion anticonvulsants — when used in polytherapy

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Required
Valproic Acid Level	❌ No (draw trough sample just before next dose)

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	Blood valproic acid concentration
Why	Guide dosing, ensure efficacy, prevent toxicity
Therapeutic Range	Epilepsy: 50–100 µg/mL; Mania: 80–125 µg/mL
Subtherapeutic (<50)	Risk of breakthrough seizures or mood relapse
Toxic (>100–120)	Hepatotoxicity, CNS depression, hyperammonemia risk
Associated Conditions	Seizure disorders, bipolar disorder, migraine prophylaxis
Follow-up Tests	LFTs, ammonia, CBC, electrolytes, companion drug levels
Fasting Required	❌ No (drawn at trough, before next dose)

Valproic acid

1000+ Booked this Test