What Is Lithium Test In Blood?
Serum Lithium is a drug that is used as an anti psychotic in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other conditions. But lithium is also well known for causing side effects and toxicity. Lithium is also used as a medicine to treat psychiatric illnesses such as acute mania. Some people may get feeling like fatigued, but they also think some other issues like sleeping disorder, experience sudden weight gain or either loss, start to face many difficulties in concentration, and even start to get the thoughts of suicide.
Serum Lithium test measures and monitors the amount of lithium in your blood. This test also helps the doctor to find out the right dose for the patient in the starting of lithium treatment. In case a person takes too much lithium, it can cause more side effects. And if a person makes too little, the medicine sometimes may not help an individual.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Lithium?
Lithium can come with a number of side effects, and they can be more disturbing than dangerous. After a person who is having stable concentrations of blood in the range of therapeutic, then a medical expert or a doctor may advise getting the lithium tests done at a conventional period of time to assure that drug parameters always remain in this range. If an individual person is undergoing therapy and intaking the lithium regularly intervals, then it is also advisable to get a serum lithium test done, which will be much helpful for troubleshooting the sole issue of side effects.
- Lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
- Irregular tremors or shaking
- Confusion
- Drowsiness, lack of energy
- Restlessness.
If the levels of lithium are not taken under control, then this uncontrolled situation might lead to renal failure, stupor, seizures, and may also cause death.
When Is The Lithium Test Required?
The patient may need this test once or twice a week when he or she first starts taking lithium. This regular checkup is done so that the doctor would figure out the best dose for the patient.
This test may also be required in case the dosage has been changed. The patient may also have this test if he or she has symptoms like tremor, nausea, or vomiting.
What Is The Lithium Blood Test Preparation?
Serum lithium test only requires a blood sample. We at Areyouhealthy now supports at home lithium blood tests where an executive from Thyrocare will come to your doorstep and take the blood sample.
After collecting the blood sample, it will be sent to the certified Thyrocare lab. Within 48-72 hours, the patient will get the reports on email.
What Does The Result Of A Lithium Test In Blood Means?
The test result may vary from person to person. It depends upon the patient’s age, gender, health history, the method used for the test. The result may not mean that the individual has a problem. Ask the doctor about the detailed information about the test result. Lithium has a tiny range where it is useful and nontoxic. Things that might affect the test result
Having the test 12 hours after your last lithium dose is best suited. Some medicines that may affect the test result are:- antibiotics, water pills, Dilantin, arthritis medicines.
How Much A Serum Lithium Test Cost In India?
We at Areyouhealthy always ensure that everyone takes the benefit of serum lithium test and other vital full-body checkups to stay fit and healthy. That is why we are working 24*7 to provide you with the lowest possible serum lithium test cost in India.
Lithium Test Description
- UNITS: mmol/L
- TECHNOLOGY: PHOTOMETRY
- FASTING TYPE: NON FASTING
- SAMPLE TYPE: SERUM
- VOLUME: 1ml
- NORMAL RANGE: 0.60 – 1.20