Lithium Test

Lithium test is recommended once or twice a week for people who are on lithium medications. The test helps determine the appropriate dose of medication. It is also recommended in people who have been taking lithium medications for a while to adjust the dose as needed. A repeat test is ordered after 5 days or a week if the dose is changed. Lithium test may also be recommended in case of the following symptoms:

• Diarrhoea
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Nausea

Here, this test will help determine if the symptoms exist due to high lithium levels or due to any other condition. 

Additionally, lithium test is advised when other signs of lithium toxicity are observed, such as:

• Restlessness
• Drowsiness
• Low energy levels
• Irregular tremors
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Shaking
• Muscle weakness
• Dizziness
• Lack of coordination

This test does not require any special preparations. However, it is best to inform the doctor about the last dose of lithium you have taken. The following medications can affect the test results:

• Certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Antibiotics
• Diuretics
• Arthritis medications
• Cardiovascular medications like calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

So make sure that your doctor knows about any supplements, medicines, vitamins and herbs, illicit drugs or non-prescribed medications that you are taking.

It is a simple test, wherein a blood sample is withdrawn from the arm with the help of a sterile needle.

This test has no risks; however, since it involves drawing blood with a needle, the individual may feel lightheaded, and there could be an infection, bleeding, or bruising at the site of blood withdrawal. People might experience mild stinging pain at the needle prick site along with mild soreness.

Normal results:

The normal range for therapeutic levels of lithium is between 0.6 and 1.2 mEq/L. If a person has their serum lithium levels in this range, they would not show any signs of toxicity.

Abnormal results:

Lithium concentration lower than the therapeutic level of lithium indicates that the person is not receiving adequate lithium dosage.

Higher than the therapeutic level of lithium along with significant side effects indicates that the person is receiving a high dose of lithium. People with side effects from high levels of lithium should consult their doctor at the earliest. High levels of lithium can cause lithium poisoning, which needs urgent treatment as it can be fatal.

Abnormal levels of lithium might also indicate the presence of kidney or cardiovascular disease.

Lithium test should be performed 12 hours after taking the last dose of lithium to obtain best results. A low-salt or high-salt diet and being dehydrated can alter test results. Maintaining a record of lithium levels can help minimize the risk of lithium side effects and help the doctor determine appropriate lithium doses.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.