Sign in →

Test Code LAB4138 LITHIUM LEVEL

Important Note

Serum only.

Draw just prior to next dose. Note times of dose and collection.

Additional Codes

Labcorp 007708

Specimen Type

Serum Tube (SST, Gold, Corvac, Tiger, Red Top Tube)

Specimen Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Turnaround Time

Stat: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours

Test Schedule

Daily

Sample Stability

Room Temp: 1 day
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 6 months

Method

ISE

Reference Ranges

Therapeutic 0.5-1.5 mmol/L

Toxic: > 2.0 mmol/L

Reporting Limit

Measuring Range: 0.101-3.510 mmol/L

Reporting Limits: 0.101 - 140.400 mmol/L (1:40 dilution)

 

CPT Codes

80178

Collection Instructions

Draw just prior to next dose, Note times of dose and drawing

Rejection Criteria

Green top Sodium or Lithium Heprin tubes

Urine specimens

 

 

Test Components

Lithium, mmol/L

Clinical Information

Lithium is used in the treatment of manic-depressive psychosis. Lithium acts on neurotransmitters and produces a sedative effect on the central nervous system. Elevated Lithium levels can cause toxicity. Early symptoms of toxicity include apathy, sluggishness, drowsiness, lethargy, speech difficulties, tremor, muscle weakness, ataxia, blurred vision, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, polyuria, confusion, stupor, seizure, and coma. Long-term lithium therapy has been reported to cause hyperparathyroidism in some individuals, resulting in hypercalcemia. Values greater than 1.5 mmol/L 12 hours post-dose indicate a significant risk of toxicity.