Lithium

Test Code

613

CPT Codes
80178

Preferred Specimen

2 mL serum

Patient Preparation
Collect just prior to next dose

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum separator (gel barrier) tubes • EDTA plasma • No lithium containing anticoagulants

Transport Container

Serum separator tube (SST)

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 10 days
Frozen: Not established

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

Mon-sat

Report Available

1-3 days

Reference Range

0.6-1.2 mmol/L

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.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics-Lenexa

10101 Renner Blvd

Lenexa , KS 66219-9752

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.