Lithium

Test Code

613

CPT Codes
80178

Preferred Specimen

2 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube

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)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat nights.; Report available: Next day

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 Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153

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.