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Lithium (Li)

SI UNITS (recommended)

CONVENTIONAL UNITS



* The SI units is the recommended method of reporting clinical laboratory results

Synonym
Li+
Units of measurement
µmol/L, mmol/L, mg/dL, mg/100mL, mg%, mg/L, µg/mL, mEq/L

Lithium is widely used in the treatment of manic depressive psychosis. Administered as Lithium Carbonate, it is completely absorbed by the gastro-intestinal tract, peak serum levels occur 2 to 4 hours after an oral dose. The half life in serum is 48 to 72 hours and it is cleared through the kidneys (excretion parallels that of sodium). Reduced renal function can prolong clearance time. Lithium acts by enhancing the uptake of neurotransmitters which produces a sedative effect on the central nervous system. Serum Lithium concentrations are carried out essentially to ensure compliance and to avoid toxicity.

Early symptoms of intoxication include apathy, sluggishness, drowsiness, lethargy, speech difficulties, irregular tremors, myoclonic twitchings, muscle weakness and ataxia. Levels higher than 1.5 mmol/L (12 hours after a dose) indicate a significant risk of intoxication.

Reference Intervals

Therapeutic concentration  0.6-1.2 mmol/L

Toxic concentration  > 2.0 mmol/L

SI units Conversion Calculator. Convert Lithium (Li) level to µmol/L, mmol/L, mg/dL, mg/100mL, mg%, mg/L, µg/mL, mEq/L. Clinical laboratory units online conversion from conventional or traditional units to Si units. Table of conversion factors for Lithium (Li) unit conversion to µmol/L, mmol/L, mg/dL, mg/100mL, mg%, mg/L, µg/mL, mEq/L.