Lithium

CPT Code: 80178
Order Code: 613
ABN Requirement: No
Specimen:
    Preferred: Serum
Alternative: EDTA Plasma
Volume:  2.0 mL
Minimum Volume:  0.5 mL
Container:
Preferred: Red Top Tube (no gel barrier)
Alternative: Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)

Collection:

Serum:

  1. Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
  2. Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. Do not shake.
  3. Allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
  4. Centrifuge specimen for 10 minutes.
  5. Aliquot serum into transport tube labeled as “Red Top Serum” and cap tightly. Discard original tube.

EDTA Plasma:

  1. Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
  2. Gently invert tube 10 times immediately after draw. Do not shake.
  3. Centrifuge specimen for 10 minutes.
  4. Aliquot plasma into transport tube labeled as “EDTA Plasma” and cap tightly. Discard original tube.

Patient Preparation: Collect just prior to next dose.

Transport: Store serum or EDTA plasma at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions included with the provided shipping box.

Stability:

Ambient (15-25°C): 10 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 10 days
Frozen (-20°C): Not established

Causes for Rejection: Specimens other than serum or EDTA plasma; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits; lithium anticoagulants; serum separator tube (SST)

Methodology: Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

Turn Around Time:  2 to 3 days

Reference Range:

Analyte Reference Range (mmol/L)
Lithium 0.6-1.2


Urgent Values:

Analyte Priority 1 Value (mmol/L)
Lithium ≥2.0

This test was developed, and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Clinical Significance: Lithium is used to treat manic-depressive disorders and the manic phase of affective disorders, including mania. The therapeutic window is relatively small. Therapeutic drug monitoring is useful to optimize dose and avoid toxicity.

The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.