Lithium
Eskalith, Lithobid
Testing Information
Sample Type
Serum
Test Codes
630280
CPT Code
80178
Testing Area
Core Lab - Chemistry
Test Methodology
Abbott Alinity - Colorimetric
Reference Range
Therapeutic Range: 0.6-1.2 mmol/LCritical Value: >2.0 mmol/L
Expected Turnaround Time
Results Available 24 hours from Receipt
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect one gold top SST tube (minimum whole blood: 4 mL). Let specimen clot for 30-60 minutes and then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate after centrifugation.
Rejection Criteria
Grossly hemolyzed specimens, quantity not sufficient, improperly labeled
Specimen Validity and Retention
Centrifuged SST Tubes:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 24 hoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): UnacceptableSerum Aliquots:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 24 hoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): 7 daysSpecimens retained for 7 days after testing
Courier Transportation
Transport centrifuged tube refrigerated (2-8°C)
Clinical Utility
Lithium is a psychotherapeutic treatment for manic depression. This assay can determine if the patient is within the therapeutic or toxic range.
