| Synonyms:
| Eskalith, LiCO3 |
| Specimen: | Blood; (1) Plain Red(no preservative) top vacutainer tube.
For therapeutic monitoring, draw level prior to dose or 12 hours post last dose. |
| Volume: | Full primary tube |
| Minimum Volume: | 500 microL serum |
| Collection: | Separate serum and transfer to a tightly capped plastic aliquot tube within 1 hour of collection for transport.
Stable at room temperature for 24 hours; refrigerate at 4°C for 7 days; for longer storage freeze at -18°C up to 6 months. |
| Rejection Criteria: | Improper labeling; serum not separated from cells |
| Reference Range: | Therapeutic 0.5 - 1.5 mmol/L Toxic- greater than 2.0 mmol/L |
| Methodology: | |
| Test Use: | Measurements of lithium are used to assure that the proper drug dosage is administered in the treatment of patients with mental disturbances, such as manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder). |
| Additional Information: | Draw level prior to dose or 12 hours post last dose. |
| Testing Includes: | |
| Testing Facility: | AnMed Laboratory |