Specimen Required

Container/Tube:
Preferred: Gold Serum Gel
Acceptable: Tiger top, Red top, Lavender EDTA
Specimen Volume: 1.0 mL
 

Collection Instructions:

It is recommended that a standardized 12-hour post dose serum Lithium concentration be used to assess adequate therapy. Peak concentration is reached 2 to 4 hours after oral dose.

Plasma gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. 4 hours is acceptable.
Serum gel tubes should be fully clotted and centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. 4 hours is acceptable.
Red-top tubes should be fully clotted, centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection. 4 hours is acceptable.