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LITHIUM LEVEL
Test CodeLAB29
Preferred Specimen
One 6 mL red top tube
Pediatric Volume : One red to microtainer
Pediatric Volume : One red to microtainer
Other Acceptable Specimens
Dark green or gold top tube
Instructions
Sample must be centrifuged within two hours of collection. Serum/plasma (red or dark green top tube) must be removed from the red cells and put into aliquot tubes following centrifugation.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Unstable, centrifuge within two hours of collection
Ambient: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 6 months
Ambient: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 6 months
Methodology
Colorimetric
Setup Schedule
Sunday-Saturday
Clinical Significance
Lithium therapy requires ~5 days to reach steady state (half-life ~ 18 hours).
Trough levels are drawn 8-12 hours after the previous dose (immediately prior to the next dose). Levels are initially drawn every 4-5 days after initiating therapy. Once clinical status and drug levels are stable, levels are checked every 1-3 months as clinically indicated.
Consider monitoring renal and thyroid function.
Trough levels are drawn 8-12 hours after the previous dose (immediately prior to the next dose). Levels are initially drawn every 4-5 days after initiating therapy. Once clinical status and drug levels are stable, levels are checked every 1-3 months as clinically indicated.
Consider monitoring renal and thyroid function.
Performing Laboratory
West Virginia University Hospital, Inc.
Berkeley Medical Center
Camden Clark Medical Center
Jefferson Medical Center
Princeton Community Hospital
Reynolds Memorial Hospital
United Hospital Center
Uniontown Hospital
Wetzel County Hospital
Wheeling Hospital
