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Biochemistry Home collection available

Lithium

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report inSame day

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn same day

About this test

Lithium is a medicine used for bipolar disorder. The gap between a helpful and a harmful dose is small, so blood levels are checked regularly.

Why is this test done?

  • Make sure the dose is in the safe range
  • Check for toxicity
  • Monitor after dose changes or new medicines

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Shaking of hands
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Confusion or unsteady walk
  • Excess thirst or urination

Normal range

Therapeutic 0.6 – 1.2 mmol/L

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

Levels above 1.5 mmol/L can be toxic and need medical attention.

Common reasons
  • Dose too high
  • Dehydration
  • Kidney problems
  • Painkillers or BP medicines that raise lithium

If your result is low

A low level may mean the dose is not enough or doses are being missed.

Common reasons
  • Missed doses
  • Dose too low

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

12 hours after the last dose, usually in the morning before the next dose.

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

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