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Test Code LAB29 Lithium, Serum

Methodology

Colorimetric

 

Literature Reference:

Package Insert:  Lithium, Roche Diagnostics, 2018

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

Specimen should arrive and be processed within 4 hours of draw.

 

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Plain red top-Green-top (lithium heparin) tube is not acceptable.

Specimen Volume: Full tube
Collection Instructions:

1. For optimal therapeutic drug monitoring, specimen should be drawn 8 hours or more after the last lithium dose was administered.
2. The half-time of elimination is 48 to 72 hours.
3. The volume of distribution is 0.45 L/kg to 1.13 L/kg.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Network Reference Lab Note:

***IMPORTANT NOTE***

FOR INPATIENTS:

Christian Hospital Laboratory:  This test is to be processed and sent as a stat to performing laboratory, (ie. Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital)

Reference Values

Therapeutic concentration: 0.6-1.2 mmol/L

Critical result (automatic call-back): ≥1.5 mmol/L

 

Literature References:

Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Principles to Practice (Waldman, S.A. and Terzic, A.), pp 1276-1279, Saunders Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA, 2009.

Monitoring of Lithium.  Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry. 5th edition, Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood, WB Saunders Co.  2001;631-631(ISBN 0-7216-8634-6).

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Turnaround Time:
STAT: 1 hour after receipt in laboratory
Routine: 2 hours after receipt in laboratory

Test Classification and CPT Coding

80178

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only
Alternate Tube:

1 serum gel tube

Green-top (lithium heparin) tube is not acceptable

 

Analyte Stability:

  • Specimens must be processed within 4 hours.
  • Processed sample stability:
    • Ambient - 24 hours
    • Refrigerated (2 - 8°C) - 7 days
    • Frozen (≤ -20°C) - 6 months
  • See Analyte Stability Chart under General Information for a complete list.

 

Laboratory Processing Instructions:

Test performed in BJH Core Lab. Centrifuge upon receipt. Immediately deliver to Toxicology. Completed specimen is stored refrigerated for 5 days.

LOINC Code Information

Name LOINC Code
Lithium, Serum 14334-7