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HelpTest Code LIX or LAB29 Lithium Level, Serum
Specimen Requirements
| Container Type: |
Optimal: Gold Acceptable: Red.
|
| Optimal Collection Volume: |
4.5mL; full tube |
| Minimum Volume: | 1 mL whole blood |
| Collection Instructions: |
Gently invert the sample 5-6 times after collection. |
| Specimen Transport: |
Refrigerate |
| Processing Instructions: |
1. Allow the specimen to clot for 30 minutes. 2. Centrifuge specimen within 2 hours of collection. 3. After centrifugation, specimen tubes without a gel barrier should have the serum aliquoted to a false bottom container. 4. Keep the serum refrigerated until testing can be performed. |
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Room Temperature | 1 day | |
| Frozen | 6 months |
Specimen Rejection Criteria
| Hemolysis | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Lipemia | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Icterus | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Other | Quantity not sufficient |
Useful For
Monitoring lithium therapy of patients who have bipolar disorders.
Evaluating lithium toxicity.
Methodology
Roche Cobas - Colorimetric
Reference Ranges
Up to 59 years: 0.6-1.2 mmol/L
60 - 79 years: 0.4-0.8 mmol/L
*Note: Effective 05/28/2025, the lithium therapeutic range for adults aged 60-79 years, as recommended by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) Older Adults with Bipolar Disorder (OABD) Task Force, has been adopted.
≥ 80 years: 0.4-0.7 mmol/L
*Note: Effective 05/28/2025, the lithium therapeutic range for adults aged ≥80 years, as recommended by the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) Older Adults with Bipolar Disorder (OABD) Task Force, has been adopted.
Critical value: > 2.0 mmol/L
Day(s) Performed
24/7
Expected TAT
Same day
Performing Laboratory
Bronson Laboratory, Chemistry - Kalamazoo and Battle Creek
Sample Retention Time
7 days
CPT Code
80178
LOINC Code
14334-7