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