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Test Code
LITH
Test Name
Lithium
CPT Codes
80178
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

Measurements can be used as an aid in the monitoring of lithium therapy.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Serum

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Containers: 

  • Red Top, Separator
  • Red Top, Plain

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 0.4 mL
Processing and Submission Instructions

Separator tubes: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Separate serum from cells as soon as the clot has formed (30 minutes). If specimen is centrifuged before clotting is complete, a fibrin clot will form on top of the cell. This may cause the gel barrier to not be intact and could cause improper separation of serum and cells, possibly affecting test results.
Patient Preparation
  1. No special preparation for the patient is required. The patient's clinical condition and dosage regimen may influence the sample collection time.
  2. It is recommended that a standardized 12 hrs post-dose serum lithium concentration be used to assess adequate therapy.
  3. Peak concentration is reached 2 to 4 hours after oral dosing.
  4. Serum should be separated from cells if storage of more than 4 hours is anticipated.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.
Stability Requirements

Refrigerated

7 Days
Methodology
Spectrophotometric
Reference Intervals

HNL Lab Medicine Chemistry Reference Intervals
Performing Location
Carbon Hospital, Cedar Crest Hospital, Dickson City Hospital, Hazleton Hospital, Hecktown Oaks Hospital, Muhlenberg Hospital, Pocono Hospital, Redeemer Health, Roble Road Core Laboratory, Schuylkill Hospital
Testing Schedule
Routine daily, STAT testing available
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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