A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

Lithium

Test Code
LITHM


Alias/See Also
Epic: LAB29


Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 3 mL




Minimum Volume
3.5 mL


Other Acceptable Specimens

Collection Container: Red top




Instructions
  1. Draw trough sample 12 hours after last dose.
  2. Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection.
Additional Information:
  1. Peak concentration is reached 2 to 4 hours after oral dose.


Transport Container
Plastic vial


Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 1 day
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 6 months




Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, PLASMA, QNS, hemolyzed




Methodology

Colorimetric



Setup Schedule

Daily




Report Available

Same day




Reference Range
1.0 - 1.2 mEg/L


Clinical Significance
Lithium is used in the treatment of manic depressive psychosis. It acts on the neurotransmitters and produces a sedative effect on the CNS. Because lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, it should be monitored closely for toxicity. Elevated levels can cause toxicity. Early symptoms of toxicity include apathy, sluggishness, drowsiness, lethargy, speech difficulties, tremor, muscle weakness, and ataxia.

Long-term lithium therapy has been reported to cause hyperparathyroidism in some individuals, with resulting hypercalcemia.


 



Performing Laboratory

Inova Laboratories

2832 Juniper Street

Fairfax, VA 22031




Last Updated: April 11, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, April 11, 2023


The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.