Laboratory Medicine Program

Lithium

Clinical Decription:
Monitoring blood levels of lithium is important for maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Since the pharmacokinetics of lithium vary by age, body weight, renal function, and drug-to-drug interactions, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for lithium is required for ensuring efficacy and preventing toxic side effects.

Method: Colorimetric; Abbott Alinity c

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
Therapeutic Interval: 18 - 60 years: 0.6 - 1.0 mmol/L*, 60 - 80 years: 0.4 - 0.8 mmol/L , >= 80 years: 0.4 - 0.7 mmol/L; * For Acute treatment, 0.8 - 1.2 mmol/L; Critical value: >= 1.5 mmol/L

Specimen Type: serum
Volume: 3 mL (minimum: 1 .0 mL)

Shipping: room temperature or 4C

Special Instructions: Optimum sampling time is trough level 12 h after the last dose or just prior to next dose

Testing Schedule(s): Daily.

Turnaround Time: 1 day

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For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227

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