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HelpTest Code LITHM Lithium
Additional Codes
Epic: LAB29
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container/Type
Preferred: Serum gold
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 3.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
- Draw trough sample 12 hours after last dose.
- Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection.
Additional Information: Peak concentration is reached 2 to 4 hours after oral dose.
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 1 day
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 6 months
Clinical Significance
Lithium is used in the treatment of manic depressive psychosis. It acts on the neurotransmitters and produces a sedative effect on the CNS. Because lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, it should be monitored closely for toxicity. Elevated levels can cause toxicity. Early symptoms of toxicity include apathy, sluggishness, drowsiness, lethargy, speech difficulties, tremor, muscle weakness, and ataxia.
Long-term lithium therapy has been reported to cause hyperparathyroidism in some individuals, with resulting hypercalcemia.
Reference Range
1.0 - 1.2 mEg/L
Rejection Due To
Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, PLASMA, QNS, hemolyzed
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Daily
Report Available
Same day / 1 day
Method Name
Colorimetric
LOINC
14334-7