Lithium

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Li
Laboratory	Core Laboratory & Transfusion Medicine
Sub-section	Biochemistry
Specimen Type	Blood
Test Code	LITH

Clinical Significance (If applicable)

Monitoring therapy, determining compliance and assessing toxicity.

Specimen Requirements (Sample Type)

Serum

Specimen Requirements (Volume (mL))

0.5 mL

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

Serum (Gold SST)
Collection Containers – Tube Types

Collection Requirements

Samples must be collected in a gold top serum tube.
Collection Instructions

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: 1 day

Fridge: 7 days @ 2-8°C

Freezer: 6 months @ -20°C

Cause for Rejection

Samples collected in tubes containing lithium heparin will be rejected.
Specimen Acceptability and Transport Guidance

Instrument, Methodology

Roche cobas c 502, colourimetric

Test Availability

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

STAT Turnaround Time

1 hour

Routine Turnaround Time

3 hours

Reference Ranges

0.50 - 1.50 mmol/L
In case of discrepancies, always interpret results using reference ranges as stated on laboratory reports and/or electronic patient chart.

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4688