Lithium test Shankar-road

LITHIUM TEST

DESCRIPTION – the lithium test is used to measure and monitor the amount of lithium in your blood so that a healthcare practitioner can determine whether the drug blood level is within the range that will adequately treat your bipolar disorder

METHODOLOGY – colorimetry

TURN AROUND TIME – within 24 hours

SPECIMEN REQUIRED –

PATIENT PREPARATION – specimens are commonly drawn approx. 12 hours after last dose of lithium is taken

COLLECT – clot activator tube, plain red or green (sodium heparin)

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate the specimen from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 ml of specimen to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – frozen

STABILITY – ambient: 24 hours; refrigerated: 7 days; frozen: 6 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – specimens collected in lithium heparin or sodium fluoride and grossly hemolyzed specimens

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory