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Test Code LITH Lithium, Serum

Useful For

Monitoring therapy of patients with bipolar disorders, including recurrent episodes of mania and depression

 

Evaluating lithium toxicity

Reporting Name

Lithium, S

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Draw blood 8 to 12 hours after last dose (trough specimen).

2. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.

3. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.

Additional Information: Peak serum concentrations do not correlate with symptoms.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  28 days
  Ambient  72 hours

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject

Reference Values

Therapeutic: 0.5-1.2 mmol/L (trough concentration)

Critical value: >1.6 mmol/L

There is no relationship between peak concentration and degree of intoxication.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 day

Specimen Retention Time

1 week

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

80178

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
LITH Lithium, S 14334-7

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
LITH Lithium, S 14334-7

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.