Determination of free valproic acid concentrations using the Amicon Micropartition MPS-1 Ultrafiltration System.

Free valproic acid concentrations were determined using the MPS-1 ultrafiltration device marketed by Amicon with one YMB membrane per device. Valproic acid binding to the membrane was 5.6% of the free valproic acid concentration. The free valproic acid concentration increased as serial ultrafiltrate volumes were collected, suggesting that only small ultrafiltrate volumes should be collected from a large initial sample. The protein content of the ultrafiltrate was acceptable and was within the tolerances stated by Amicon. There was no significant difference between free valproic acid concentrations determined within 3 h of sample collection and those determined after storage at 4 degrees C or -20 degrees C for 1 week. There was no significant difference between free valproic acid concentrations in serum and heparinized plasma samples collected simultaneously.