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Test Code LI Lithium, Serum

Methodology

Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)
Useful for monitoring serum lithium levels in patients being treated for bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder.

Performing Laboratory

St. Clair Hospital Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

1 SST tube preferred; (1 plain, red-top tube acceptable) (1 mL of serum) drawn 12-15 hours after last dose (trough specimen). Centrifuge blood as soon as possible, or send unspun blood to laboratory within 4 hours of draw.

Note:  Peak serum concentrations do not correlate with symptoms.

Reference Values

0.60-1.20 mEq/L
Critical value (automatic call-back):  ≥1.3 mEq/L

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday