The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Lithium

Lithium

Drug used in treatment of depression. Therapeutic concentrations are based on samples taken >12h post dose. Routine monitoring of patients is essential. Patients should also have TFT's monitored.

Tube 01 (SE) - Serum Gel
ID Tests&Tubes0076
Additional Information EFFECT OF LITHIUM: <0.4 mmol/L the therapeutic response is poor. Levels between 0.4 - 0.6 mmol/L may possible be beneficial for prophylaxis but the chance of relapse is high. The optimum range is between 0.6 - 0.8 mmol/L. Levels >1.2 mmol/L are associated with the risk of renal impairment. Levels between 1.5 - 3.0 are associated with renal impairment, ataxia, weakness and drowsiness. Above 3.0 mmol/L symptoms include dehydration, confusion, spasticity, seizures and coma.
Turn Around A&E: 1 hour
Day Case: N/A
In-Patient: 6 Hours
Out-Patient: 24 Hours
GP: 24 Hours
Send to Blood Sciences Cross Site
Contact For further details please contact Leeds Pathology customer services: leedsth-tr.pathologycustomerservice@nhs.net.
Collection Con Must be > 12 hr post-dose. Minimum volume: 500µl serum
Instructions for Lab Staff: Standard lab processing- No special requirements
Sample REQ Blood
Ref. Range Notes Blood Sciences reference ranges are available through the useful information and links page:
https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/pathology/blood-sciences/useful-information-and-links/
Units mmol/L
Telepath LI1L
ICE Codes LLI