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Test Code LI Lithium

Specimen Type

Serum

Container/Tube

Red Top

Offsite Collection Instructions

1. Collect sample following standard collection methods
2. Recommended to draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) 8 to
12
hours after last dose (trough specimen).
3. Within 2 hours of collection the sample must be spun and
aliquoted
4. Transport refrigerated  (2 – 8C).

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Test Includes

N/A

Preferred Volume

0.5 mL

UCMC Collection Instructions

1. Collect sample following standard collection methods
2. Recommended to draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) 8 to
12
hours after last dose (trough specimen)
3. Within 2 hours of collection the sample must be received in
Laboratory Service Center
4. Transport room temperature (15 – 25C).

Test Usage

Monitor therapeutic drug level, support compliance, and avoid
intoxicating levels.

Critical Results

N/A

Test Limitations

Lithium toxicity, including severe neurotoxic effects, can occur
with normal serum lithium levels. Instances of acute intoxication
may be accompanied by high serum lithium levels without clinical
evidence of neurotoxic effects. Lithium penetrates neurons slowly.
Thiazides can cause significant rise in serum lithium.

Fee Code

43369

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

DAY(S) AND TIME(S) PERFORMED

24 hours, 7 days a week including holidays.

STAT DAY(S) AND TIME(S) PERFORMED

Available

CPT

80178

Method Name

Ion Specific Electrode (ISE)

Reference Values

Adults: 0.5 – 1.0 mEq/L

Reject Due To

Whole blood/unspun samples greater than 6 hours will be
rejected.

DO NOT use mint green lithium heparin
tubes for analysis. Specimen will be rejected.

STAT Turnaround Time

1 hour

Synonyms

N/A

Additional Information

Peak serum concentrations do not correlate with symptoms.
Once per week unless monitoring for removal of toxicity.

Included in Additional codes

N/A

Coverage Information

N/A

Stability: Room Temp

1 day

Stability: Refrigerated

7 days

Stability: Frozen

6 months