Lithium

Test Code

613

CPT Codes
80178 <br><strong>This test is not available for New York patient testing. For New York patient testing use test code 14015.</strong>

Preferred Specimen

2 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Instructions

Collect just prior to next dose

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Plasma from lithium-based anticoagulants

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA) • Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) • Spectrometry • Spectrophotometry (SP)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 2-4 days

Clinical Significance

Lithium is used to treat manic-depressive disorders and the manic phase of affective disorders, including mania. The therapeutic window is relatively small. Therapeutic drug monitoring is useful to optimize dose and avoid toxicity.

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.