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Order Code Lithium Lithium Level

Additional Codes

Epic Order ID LAB2251

Sub activity Type

Chemistry

Collection tube (preferred)

SST

Specimen Type

Serum

Minimum Volume

0.6 ml

Stability

7 days at 2-8°C

24 hours at room temperature (20-22°C)

Transport Container

Serum Separator Tube (SST)

Rejection Criteria

Plasma with lithium based anticoagulants

Specimens other than serum

Clinical Significance

Lithium is used to treat manic-depressive disorders and the manic phase of affective disorders, including mania. The therapeutic window is relatively small. Therapeutic drug monitoring is useful to optimize dose and avoid toxicity.

Reference Range

Cedar Falls / Oelwein: 1.0 - 1.2 mmol/L

Waterloo: 1.0 - 1.2 mmol/L

Critical Values

Waterloo: ≥ 1.2 mmol/L