Taking lithium medication for mood disorders and need therapeutic monitoring, or experiencing symptoms that might indicate lithium levels need adjustment?
Monitor lithium therapy safety with our Lithium Serum Level Blood 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.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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How does it work?
Bloody Good is a single portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing on-demand health testing. Get started with three simple steps:
1
Book your test
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your samples
Have your sample collected at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres.
3
View your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
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
You may benefit from the Lithium Serum Level Blood Test
Essential for all individuals taking lithium therapy, those starting lithium treatment, anyone experiencing side effects, or those needing dose adjustments for optimal mood stabilization.
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
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.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
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