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HelpTest Code LI Lithium
Useful For
Lithium, administered as lithium carbonate, is used for treatment of manic-depressive illness.
Concentrations are monitored to ensure patient compliance and to avoid intoxication.
Synonyms/Keywords
Li
Specimen Requirements
| Fasting Required | Specimen Type | Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Serum/ Plasma |
Serum Separator Tube (SST) |
Red Top Tube (RTT), Sodium-heparin Green Top (GTT) | 1 mL | 0.3 mL |
Collection/Processing Instructions
Indicate collection time.
Serum/plasma should be separated from cells within two hours of collection.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum / Plasma | Ambient | 24 hours |
| Refrigerate | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 6 months |
Rejection Criteria
Lithium heparin, EDTA, citrate oxalate, or fluoride anticoagulants
Test Information
Collect just prior to next dose (usually 8-10 hours after an oral dose).
- Time to steady state (adult): 2-7 days.
- Time to peak level: 2-4 hours
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| All Performing Sites |
Therapeutic: 0.50-1.50 mmol/L
|
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Chemistry
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Colorimetric Endpoint Assay/Beckman AU |
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80178 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80178 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cerner | Lithium Level |