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Lithium Blood - Saskatoon

Discipline

Biochemistry

Overview

Description

  • For trough level tests, collect specimen immediately prior to the next dose

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • Serum

Collection procedure

  • Preferred collection container: Red (No Additive) 6.0 mL 

Required volume

  • Optimal volume: 6.0 mL Full collection tube
  • Minimum/Pediatric volume: 1.0 mL

(Submitting the minimum volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory/reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum volume may require a second collection.)
 

Transport and stability

  • 4 hours on cells
  •  7 days at 2 – 8°C 
     

Rejection criteria

Testing Information

Relevant clinical history

  •  Relevant Recent Medication History - Note on requisition the dosage, date and time when medication was given

Performance

Methodology

  • Colorimetric Assay
     

Days/times performed

Availability
  • 24 hours a day

Testing site
  • RUH, SPH

Maximum laboratory time

  • In Hospital reported within 2 hours
  • Community Urgent and inter-hospital reported within 4 hours
  • Community Routine reported within 24 hours
  • Critical Results > 2.01 mmol/L will be phoned
     

Specimen retention time

  • 3 days

Last Updated: October 4, 2024