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Test Code LI Lithium Level

Specimen Requirements

Preparation of Patient: 

Draw blood 10 to 12 hours after last dose or immediately before next dose.

 

Container Type: 

Gold Top SST Gel & Clot Activator Tube

Specimen Type:

Serum

 

Specimen Volume: 

2.5 mL of Serum minimum 0.5 mL of Serum

 

Specimen Handling/Transport:

Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection.

Transport refrigerated 2-8°C.

 

Specimen Stability/Storage:

8 hours ambient room temperature

5 days refrigerated 2-8°C

Performing Laboratory

Munson Healthcare Laboratories

Priority, Frequency, & Turnaround

Priority:

STAT, ASAP, Non-Emergent

 

Frequency:

24 hours 7 days a week

 

Turnaround:

0 - 1 days

STAT 60 minutes from receipt in lab

Methodology

Colorimetric Endpoint

Reporting

Reference Range: 

0.5-1.2 mmol/L

 

Linearity Range: 

0.1-10.0 mmol/L

 

Critical Decision:  

≥ 1.5 mmol/L

Note:  Critical values are called to the provider and communicated as critical.  Documentation of the call is recorded in the patient record.

Clinical Significance

Lithium is used for the treatment of the manic phase of manic depressive illness. It acts by enhancing reuptake of neurotransmitters, thereby reducing their concentration of the neuronal junction, thus producing a sedating effect on the CNS.

CPT Code(s)

80178