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What is a Lithium Test?
Lithium tests are ordered to analyze whether the levels of lithium in the blood are within the therapeutic range or require alterations and moderations.
Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that is associated with alternating depression and manic episodes. Lithium is used as a mood-stabilizing drug in this kind of mental disorder. The lithium test is usually employed to monitor the treatment of bipolar disorders. Through the interaction of lithium with neurotransmitters and receptors, lithium lowers the levels of norepinephrine and increases the level of serotonin in the body.
Lithium has only a narrow therapeutic range and requires careful monitoring during treatment. Above the therapeutic range, lithium toxicity develops and is characterized by symptoms such as confusion, vomiting, nausea, and tremors.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Lithium Test used for?
A lithium test is used to evaluate lithium levels in the blood. Lithium is effective in the treatment of mania which is characterized by over-reactivity, agitation, racing thoughts, prevents post-acute episodes of bipolar disorder, and also increases the efficiency of antidepressants.
Understanding the test results of the Lithium Test.
The results of the lithium test should be interpreted with the assistance of a qualified healthcare professional, and patients should avoid self-diagnosis. The therapeutic range of lithium is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L, levels above 1.5 mEq/L are potentially toxic, and levels above 2.0 mEq/L are severely toxic.
Why do I need a Lithium Test?
A person who is under treatment with lithium is advised to take a lithium test to ensure the drug is within the therapeutic range and does not cause any unwanted adverse effects.
A lithium test is recommended twice a week during the initial treatment with the drug. For those who were on the drug for some time, a lithium test is required to assess the need for change in dose, and after changing the dose, again the test is repeated within five to seven days.
What happens during the Lithium Test?
For the lithium test, there is no need for fasting or any other special preparations. Blood samples are collected to determine the lithium levels in the blood. The method of sample collection is the same as any other blood test. The healthcare professional collects blood into a test tube or vial from the patient's veins in the arm using a small needle and later analyses it in the laboratory. The blood sample collection lasts for only a few minutes. The results of the lithium test are available within 24-36 hours.
When should lithium levels be checked?
A lithium test is warranted in a person taking lithium if he or she is experiencing symptoms like agitation, slurred speech, racing thoughts, poor judgment, thoughts of suicide, frequent urination, trouble sleeping, and severe mood swings. The doctor may order other tests like serum creatinine and sodium along with the lithium tests.
What is a lithium blood test called?
A lithium blood test is also known as serum lithium levels and lithium levels.
What happens if the lithium level is too low?
Low levels of lithium will result in depression, mood disorders, impulse control disorders, violent behaviors, learning problems, and fertility problems. Low lithium levels are caused by certain medications, dehydration, and kidney diseases.
What is a normal lithium level?
The normal or therapeutic range of lithium in blood is 0.6-1.2 mEq/L. The therapeutic range of lithium may vary among individuals.
What is the importance of monitoring lithium levels?
A high level of lithium in the blood above the therapeutic range is associated with toxicities. The patient may experience confusion, vomiting, nausea, and tremors. A low lithium level is insufficient for the treatment of mania, bipolar disorders, etc. Hence it is important to monitor the levels of lithium in the blood.
Can low lithium levels cause depression?
Yes, low levels of lithium can cause depression. Lithium deficiency is a common mineral deficiency and is associated with severe psychopathological problems in humans.
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