Hormone & Endocrine - Bloody Good
Vitamins & Minerals

Lithium Serum Level

Monitor lithium therapy safety with our Lithium Serum Level test. This essential analysis measures lithium concentrations to ensure therapeutic effectiveness while preventing toxicity in individuals using lithium for mood disorders and mental health conditions.

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Lithium Serum Level

Taking lithium medication for mood disorders and need therapeutic monitoring, or experiencing symptoms that might indicate lithium levels need adjustment?

Overview

If you're taking lithium medication for bipolar disorder or other mood conditions, the Lithium Serum Level test acts like a precision gauge that ensures your treatment stays in the "sweet spot" – effective enough to stabilize your mood, but not so high that it becomes harmful. Lithium works like a mood stabilizer in your brain, helping to prevent the extreme ups and downs of bipolar disorder, but it has a very narrow safety margin, similar to how a thermostat needs precise calibration to keep your home comfortable without overheating or getting too cold.

This blood test is essential because your lithium levels can shift unexpectedly due to everyday factors like dehydration, changes in your salt intake, other medications, or even illness – much like how a car's performance can vary with different weather conditions or fuel quality. Regular monitoring helps your doctor fine-tune your dosage to keep you feeling stable while avoiding potentially serious side effects like kidney problems, thyroid issues, or neurological symptoms that can occur when levels climb too high. Think of it as routine maintenance for your mental health treatment, ensuring you get maximum benefit from your medication while staying safely within the therapeutic zone.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Feeling sad or down most of the time Mood swings or emotional instability Lithium level monitoring Suspected medication side effects Monitoring medication effectiveness Therapeutic drug level monitoring

Purpose

Essential for all individuals taking lithium therapy, those starting lithium treatment, anyone experiencing side effects, or those needing dose adjustments for optimal mood stabilization.

How to prepare

Timing is critical - blood should be drawn 12 hours after your last lithium dose for accurate therapeutic monitoring. Maintain consistent timing of doses and blood draws. Inform healthcare provider of all medications and recent changes in health status.

Understanding results

Results show lithium concentration compared to therapeutic ranges. Levels below therapeutic range may indicate need for dose increase, while levels above therapeutic range may indicate risk of toxicity requiring dose reduction.

After the test

Adjust lithium dosing based on serum levels and clinical response, monitor for signs of toxicity or inadequate treatment, and maintain regular monitoring schedule. Work closely with psychiatrists or healthcare providers experienced in lithium therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Therapeutic lithium levels are typically 0.6-1.2 mEq/L for maintenance therapy and may be slightly higher (0.8-1.4 mEq/L) during acute treatment, but optimal levels vary by individual and clinical situation.
  • High lithium levels can cause toxicity symptoms including nausea, vomiting, tremor, confusion, kidney problems, and in severe cases, seizures or coma, requiring immediate medical attention and dose adjustment.
  • Initially every few days to weeks when starting therapy, then every 3-6 months during stable maintenance therapy, and more frequently if dose changes, side effects, or health changes occur.
  • Dehydration, changes in salt intake, kidney function, other medications, illness, diet changes, and exercise can all affect lithium levels, which is why regular monitoring is essential.
  • Many medications can interact with lithium, including some blood pressure medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and diuretics, so always inform healthcare providers about all medications you're taking.
  • Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for missed doses, maintain consistent timing when possible, and don't double doses - contact your provider if you're unsure about missed dose management.
Lithium Serum Level

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How it works

What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

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