Lithium Blood Test

The Lithium Blood Test measures the amount of lithium present in the blood. Lithium is one of the most widely studied and effective medications used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.

Lithium helps:

• Reduce the severity and frequency of manic episodes

• Prevent bipolar depression

• Stabilize extreme mood swings

However, lithium is eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys, and even slight overdose can lead to lithium toxicity. That’s why regular monitoring through blood testing is mandatory.

This test is used to:

• Ensure lithium levels are within therapeutic range

• Detect early toxicity

• Monitor kidney clearance of lithium

• Adjust dosage safely during long-term therapy

The Serum Lithium Test is a blood test used to measure the concentration of lithium in the bloodstream. It is mainly prescribed to patients receiving lithium therapy for psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder to ensure that levels remain within the safe therapeutic range.