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Test Code LITH Lithium, Serum

Additional Codes

LAB29

Methodology

Useful for monitoring therapy of patients with bipolar disorders, including recurrent episodes of mania and depression, and for evaluating toxicity.

Performing Laboratory

St. Mary's Regional Medical Center-Chemistry

 

CPT: 80178

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Plain, red-top tube OR SST tube (gold, speckled red)

Specimen: 1 mL of serum

Transport Temperature: Ambient

Collection Instructions: Peak lithium levels occur in 1 to 3 hours following administration. Therapeutic levels are obtained 8 to 12 hours after administration of last test dose. A specimen drawn earlier than this time will give the false conclusion of an abnormally elevated serum level whereas a specimen drawn after 12-hour interval will lead to the conclusion of a drug level lower than it really is.

Reference Values

Therapeutic concentration: 0.6-1.2 mEq/L

Warning range: >1.2-1.5 mEq/L

Toxic concentration: >2.0 mEq/L

Significant risk if drawn 12 hours after dose: >1.5-2.0 mEq/L

Call criteria (automatic call-back): >1.5 mEq/L

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Available STAT