Pathology Handbook

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Lithium

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Code:

LITHIUM

Specimen Types:

Blood

Container Types:

SST

Adults Volume or Mass:

5 mL

Minimum/Paediatric Volume or Mass:

1 mL

Collection & Request Instructions:

For assay of therapeutic levels, specimen should be collected at least twelve hours after last dose. State dosing and collection times on the request form.

DO NOT use lithium heparin tubes.

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:

Room Temperature

Assay Frequency:

24/7

MBS Rebatable:

Yes

MBS Item No.:

66800

Billing Information:

Also MBS Item Nos. 66803, 66804, 66805 and 66806

Additional Notes:

Therapeutic Range: 0.5—1.2mmol/L

Toxic Range: > 1.5 mmol/L

Higher target levels (0.8-1.2 mmol/L) may be required in the treatment of acute mania.

Reference Range Source:

Bipolar Disorder [revised 2013 Mar]. In: eTG complete [Internet]. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2017 Mar.

Hiemke C et al: AGNP consensus guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring in psychiatry: update 2011. Pharmacopsychiatry 2011, 44: 195-235