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| 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 CodeLI
Alias/See Also
LI
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum)
Instructions
Collect specimen eight (8) to twelve (12) hours after evening dose and before morning dose.
Transport Container
No additive (red-top). SST also acceptable
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours, Refrigerated: 7 days, Frozen: 6 months. Note: serum must be separated from red cells prior to storage.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Grossly hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable.
Reference Range
Therapeutic: 0.60-1.20 mmol/L
Clinical Significance
Measurements of lithium are used to assure that the proper drug dosage is administered in the treatment of patients with mental disturbances, such as manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder). Lithium concentrations are monitored to ensure patient compliance and prevent toxicity. Because there is a narrow therapeutic range of about 0.60 to 1.20 mmol/L, with significant risk of toxicity occurring above 1.5 mmol/L, determination of lithium concentration is crucial in the management of patients on lithium therapy. Since plasma values vary relative to time of last dose, a standardized 12-hour post-dose serum lithium concentration has been recommended to assess adequate therapy. The physician must determine the most appropriate therapeutic grange for each patient.
