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Lithium Level, Serum

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB5400, Beaker: LITHI, Antrim: 15960

Department

Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One Gold-top SST tube.
Also acceptable: One plain Red-top tube.

Time of Collection: Trough, just prior to the next dose.
Record the exact time of specimen collection on the tube or in the computer system.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimens clot 30-60 minutes and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the collection tube within two hours of collection. (Minimum: 1.0 mL blood)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Collection tube, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 1.0 mL blood)

Rejection Criteria

Severely lipemic or hemolyzed specimens.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimens clot 30-60 minutes. Centrifuge specimen to separate serum from cells. Deliver an aliqout of serum or the collection tube immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged Collection Tubes
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory
Royal Oak STAT Laboratory
Taylor Chemistry Laboratory
Wayne Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
STAT results available within 1 hour of receipt in the Laboratory.
Routine results available within 24 hours.

Reference Range

Therapeutic Range: 0.6-1.2 mmol/L
Critical Range: Greater than 1.5 mmol/L

Test Methodology

Colorimetric.

Interpretation

Lithium is used for the treatment of manic-depressive illness. Values of greater than 1.5 mmol/L indicates an increased risk of intoxication. Severe intoxication, characterized by muscle rigidity, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, and epileptic seizures, is usually associated with lithium concentrations greater than 2.5 mmol/L. Lithium is eliminated renally. Lithium can cause renal toxicity, thereby inhibiting its own elimination.

Clinical Utility

This assay is used to monitor the therapeutic drug level and evaluate the toxicity of lithium.

CPT Codes

80178

Contacts

Last Updated

10/16/2023