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 It Works
Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.
1
Order a test
Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect the sample
Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.
3
Receive your results
View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!
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What Our Customers Say
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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.
Symptoms
Essential for all individuals taking lithium therapy, those starting lithium treatment, anyone experiencing side effects, or those needing dose adjustments for optimal mood stabilization.
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.
Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
Biomarker Tested
No biomarkers found
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.
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.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
