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Test Code Billings Clinic: 4054 Lithium, Serum

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory:  Chemistry

Useful For

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

Methodology

Colorimetric / Bichromatic Endpoint

Specimen Requirements

Serum should be physically separated from cells as soon as possible with a maximum limit of two hours from the time of collection.

 

Serum

  • Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s).
  • Spin down and send 1.0 mL of serum refrigerated
  • Date and time of last dose and date and time of draw are required on request form for processing.

Storage/Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated 7 days
  Frozen (preferred) 6 months
  Ambient 24 hours

 

Reject Due To

  • Specimens collected in Lithium Heparin tubes

Reference Values

Therapeutic concentration:                0.6 - 1.2 mEq/L
Call-back toxic concentration value:  >1.5 mEq/L

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

80178 - Lithium

LOINC Code Information

Reporting Name LOINC Code
Lithium 14334-7