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HelpTest ID LITH Lithium, Serum
Useful For
Monitoring therapy of patients with bipolar disorders, including recurrent episodes of mania and depression
Evaluating lithium toxicity
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw blood 8 to 12 hours after last dose (trough specimen).
2. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
3. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Additional Information: Peak serum concentrations do not correlate with symptoms.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Reference Values
Therapeutic: 0.5-1.2 mmol/L (trough concentration)
Critical value: >1.6 mmol/L
There is no relationship between peak concentration and degree of intoxication.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
80178
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.