24-Hour Urine Lithium Concentration
This test measures how much lithium is present in your urine over a full day. It helps assess how well your body is excreting lithium, which is important if you take lithium medications.
["Understanding your body’s lithium handling can help doctors monitor your treatment safely."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34330-1
- Short code
- Lithium 24h Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Lithium 24h Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.6
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 1.6 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you’re taking lithium medications (like lithium carbonate or lithium citrate) to treat conditions like bipolar disorder or certain types of seizures. It helps check if your kidneys are removing lithium properly, which is key to avoiding side effects like kidney damage or toxicity.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period, starting after you wake up and ending right after you wake up the next morning. Keep track of every drop—even small amounts—using a clean container. Drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys work normally during this time.
How the Test Works
Your urine sample is sent to a lab, where it’s analyzed to measure lithium levels. The lab looks at the total amount of lithium excreted in your urine over the day, rather than just a single sample.
What the Results Mean
Results help doctors determine if your kidneys are removing lithium efficiently. High levels in urine might suggest your kidneys aren’t working well, while normal levels confirm proper excretion.
Reference range
Therapeutic: 0.6-1.2 mmol/LN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal lithium excretion can indicate kidney problems or improper dosing. Low excretion might mean your kidneys are retaining too much lithium, increasing the risk of toxicity. Regular monitoring helps prevent serious health issues.
Short name
Lithium Urine Profile
Frequently asked questions
How often should I take my lithium medication around the time of this test?
Can I drink alcohol or caffeine during the 24-hour urine collection?
What if I forget to collect my urine at night?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy