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Test ID: Lithium
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Lithium
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Useful For
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To determine and maintain the therapeutic level of lithium medication for patient with bipolar disorders and depression.
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Method name and description
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Colorimetric assay performed on the Roche cobas c-systems. Lithium present in the sample reacts with a substituted porphyrin compound at an alkaline pH, resulting in a change in absorbance which is directly proportional to the concentration of lithium in the sample.
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Clinical information
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Lithium is widely used in the treatment of manic depressive psychosis. Administered as lithium carbonate, it is completely absorbed by the gastro‑intestinal tract; peak serum levels occur 2 to 4 hours after an oral dose. Lithium acts by enhancing the uptake of neurotransmitters, which produces a sedative effect on the central nervous system. Serum lithium concentrations are measured essentially to ensure compliance and to avoid toxicity. (Roche Cobas Lithium package insert.)
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Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
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Specimen type: Serum
Minimum volume of sample: 1 mL
Serum: Plain tube (red or yellow top)
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Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection
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Collect blood by standard venipuncture techniques as per specimen requirements. When processing samples in primary tubes (sample collection systems), follow the instructions of the tube manufacturer.
DO NOT use lithium heparinized plasma.
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Storage and transport instructions
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Storage: 7 days at 2 – 8°C
1 days at 15 – 25°C
6 months at ‑20 °C (± 5 °C)
Transport: 2-25°C
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Specimen Rejection Criteria
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Grossly hemolyzed, icteric and lipemic samples, wrong collection container, insufficient sample.
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Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
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Therapeutic Range: 0.6 - 1.2 mmol/L
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Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
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Daily (24/7)
Turn-around time:
STAT: 1 hour
Routine: One working day
Specimen Retention: 4 days
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