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Lithium
Test CodeLITH
Alias/See Also
LIT
LI+
LI+
CPT Codes
80178
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL Plasma (Sodium Heparin or EDTA)
Minimum Volume
0.1 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma- Sodium Heparin,
Plasma- EDTA (Lavender)
Serum- Red Top
Serum- SST or Tiger Top
Plasma- EDTA (Lavender)
Serum- Red Top
Serum- SST or Tiger Top
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: 1 day at 15-25°C
Refrigerated: 7 days at 2-8°C.
Frozen: 6 months at -20 °C. Freeze only once.
Refrigerated: 7 days at 2-8°C.
Frozen: 6 months at -20 °C. Freeze only once.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Samples not labeled with complete first and last name of patient and date of birth.
Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
Samples collected in tubes containing Lithium Heparin
Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
Samples collected in tubes containing Lithium Heparin
Methodology
Colorimetric
Setup Schedule
Sun-Sat
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
0.6 – 1.2 mmol/L
Clinical Significance
Lithium is widely used in the treatment of manic depressive psychosis. Administered as lithium carbonate, it is completely absorbed by the gastro-intestinal tract; peak serum levels occur 2 to 4 hours after an oral dose. The half life in serum is 48 to 72 hours and it is cleared through the kidneys (excretion parallels that of sodium). Reduced renal function can prolong clearance time. Lithium acts by enhancing the uptake of neurotransmitters, which produces a sedative effect on the central nervous system. Serum lithium concentrations are measured essentially to ensure compliance and to avoid toxicity. Early symptoms of intoxication include apathy, sluggishness, drowsiness, lethargy, speech difficulties, irregular tremors, myoclonic twitchings, muscle weakness and ataxia.
Performing Laboratory
Frederick Health Laboratory
400 W 7th Street
Frederick, MD 20701
Last Updated: October 31, 2024
