Sample type: Serum
Test name: Lithium a.k.a. Li
Condition / Indication: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Special precautions & notes: 12 to 14 hours post dose is optimum.
Reference range: Aim for: 0.6 - 0.8 mmol/L normally. 0.8 - 1.0 mmol/L if patient has relapsed previously on lithium or has sub-syndromal symptoms.
Container: Serum (Gold top)
Alternative container: MUST NOT BE Li heparin (green top)
Ideal volume (mL): 5 mL
Referred outside NBT for analysis? No
Discipline: Clinical Biochemistry
Section: Automated Laboratory
Turnaround time: Hospital patients 4 hours; GP patients 24 hours