Depakote Level Testing: Choosing the Right Tube Color

When testing for Depakote (valproic acid) levels, the correct blood collection tube is crucial. Typically, a red-top tube or a green-top (heparin) tube is used. This ensures accurate measurement of the drug in the blood, which is vital for monitoring therapeutic levels and preventing toxicity in patients undergoing treatment for conditions like epilepsy and bipolar disorder.

Standard Tube Colors

Here are the standard tube colors used in blood tests:

• Red: No additives, used for serum tests.
• Gold/Tiger Top: Gel separator and clot activator, used for serum tests.
• Light Blue: Sodium citrate, used for coagulation studies.
• Green: Heparin, used for plasma chemistry tests.
• Lavender/Purple: EDTA, used for hematology tests.
• Gray: Potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride, used for glucose and lactate tests.
• Dark Blue: EDTA or heparin, used for trace element and toxicology tests.

For Depakote (valproic acid) level testing, a red-top tube or a green-top (heparin) tube is used.

Why Tube Color Matters

The color of the tube used for Depakote (valproic acid) level testing is crucial because it indicates the presence of specific additives that can affect the test results. For example:

• Red-top tubes or green-top (heparin) tubes are recommended because they do not contain gel barriers.
• Gel-barrier tubes should be avoided because the gel can slowly absorb the drug, leading to falsely low levels of valproic acid.

Using the wrong tube can result in inaccurate measurements, potentially affecting clinical decisions and patient safety.

Procedure for Depakote Level Testing

Here’s the detailed procedure for collecting a blood sample for Depakote (valproic acid) level testing:

1. Preparation:

   • Ensure all necessary equipment is ready: needle, tourniquet, alcohol swab, gauze, adhesive bandage, and the correct collection tube.

2. Patient Identification:

   • Verify the patient’s identity and explain the procedure.

3. Site Selection and Cleaning:

   • Select a suitable vein, usually in the arm.
   • Clean the site with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry.

4. Tourniquet Application:

   • Apply a tourniquet above the selected site to engorge the vein.

5. Blood Collection:

   • Insert the needle into the vein.
   • Collect the blood into a red-top tube or green-top (heparin) tubeDo not use a gel-barrier tube as it can absorb the drug and affect the test results.

6. Post-Collection:

   • Remove the tourniquet.
   • Withdraw the needle and apply pressure to the site with gauze.
   • Secure the site with an adhesive bandage.

7. Sample Handling:

   • Transfer the separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube if necessary.
   • Store the sample at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen as per the lab’s instructions.

8. Documentation:

   • Label the tube with the patient’s details and the date/time of collection.

This procedure ensures accurate Depakote level testing.

Depakote (Valproic Acid) Level Testing

For Depakote (valproic acid) level testing, use a red-top tube or a green-top (heparin) tube. These tubes do not contain gel barriers that can absorb the drug and affect test results.

Using the wrong tube color, such as a gel-barrier tube, can lead to inaccurate measurements and potentially impact clinical decisions and patient safety.

It is crucial to use the correct tube color to ensure accurate Depakote level testing.