Lithium, Serum Test
Lithium, Serum Test
The Lithium Test is used to quantify lithium levels in the blood. Lithium is a metal used as a standard treatment for bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by alternating episodes of depression and abnormally elevated mood.
Lithium has a very narrow therapeutic window, where it is effective and nontoxic. Above 1.2 mmol/L, the drug causes toxicity, which may lead to serious health complications. Thus, the dosage of lithium requires careful monitoring during treatment.
Doctors typically use the lithium test to establish an effective therapeutic dose at the beginning of treatment. Repeat testing may be ordered every few months to monitor levels or adjust the current dose to ensure patients receive the appropriate amount throughout treatment.
In some cases, lithium test may also be used to detect and assess the severity of lithium toxicity.
What is Lithium Serum Test Used For?
The intended purposes of using lithium test are as follows
To find out the best dose of lithium before starting the treatment
To monitor patients response to the treatment and see if their dose need any alteration
To diagnose lithium toxicity as well as determine its severity upon the appearance of symptoms
Symptoms of Lithium Toxicity
Symptoms of adverse effects of lithium occur in correlation with the amount ingested. Possible signs may include
Nausea and vomiting
Pain in the abdomen
Diarrhea
Uncontrolled shaking
Slurred speech
Loss of muscle control
Impaired thinking ability
Weight gain
Feeling thirsty all the time
Urging to pee a lot more than usual
Preparation for Test
You don't need any special preparation for the lithium test but may be asked to submit your blood 10 to 12 hours after your last dose of the medication.
Interpretation of Test Results
Measurement of lithium in blood is given in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) and interpreted according to specific patient conditions.
The established reference ranges for lithium are provided in the table below:
|
Lithium level(mmol/L) |
Interpretation |
|
Less than 0.6 |
Below therapeutic level |
|
0.6 - 1.2 |
Therapeutic range for maintenance therapy, may vary from person to person |
|
Above 1.2 |
Potential toxicity, requires medical care |
|
Above 1.5 |
Mild toxicity |
|
Higher than 3.5 |
Severe toxicity |
FAQs
When should I take a lithium test?
Three instances where you need to do this test:
· At the beginning of treatment to determine the appropriate lithium dose within the therapeutic range.
· After taking lithium for a period, if a dose adjustment is needed, follow-up testing is conducted 5 to 7 days after the change.
· If you experience symptoms indicative of lithium toxicity.
What happens during the Lithium Test?
Like any other blood test, the lithium test involves collecting a blood sample drawn from your veins in the arm using a small needle, which is then sent to the lab for analysis.
Does this test pose risks?
Undergoing a lithium test carries no significant risks. However, you may experience a brief stinging or discomfort at the needle insertion site. This discomfort resolves on its own and does not normally require any medication.
What does it mean if I have high lithium levels in my blood?
Levels greater than 1.5 mmol/L suggest lithium toxicity. Your doctor will discuss with you the steps you should take to reduce your lithium levels.
What happens if lithium levels drop?
If your lithium level drops too low, then the treatment won't be effective in managing your condition. Your doctor may then adjust your lithium dose so that you achieve and maintain drug levels within 0.6 - 1.2 mmol/L.
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics