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Lithium in Hair (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the amount of lithium present in a sample of your hair, often used to assess long-term lithium exposure or levels in the body.

Quick summary

["Hair lithium testing helps track how much lithium you’ve been exposed to over time."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
3718-4
Short code
Lithium Hair-mCnt
Synonyms
Lithium Hair-mCnt
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
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
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking lithium medication long-term (e.g., for bipolar disorder) or if you have concerns about lithium exposure from other sources. Hair testing can provide insights into cumulative lithium levels that blood tests alone might miss.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small sample of your hair is collected, usually from the scalp or near the ears. The hair is processed in a lab to measure lithium content without needing to draw blood or urine.

What Does the Result Mean?

Results are reported as the mass concentration of lithium in the hair (e.g., micrograms per gram). Higher concentrations may indicate prolonged lithium exposure, while lower levels suggest reduced exposure.

What Are the Benefits of Hair Testing?

Hair lithium testing offers a non-invasive way to monitor lithium levels over months or years, which can help adjust medication or assess compliance with treatment plans.

Reference range

Therapeutic: 0.6-1.2 mmol/LN/A

Specimen: serum

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Lithium Hair Test

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results from a hair lithium test?
Results typically take 1–2 weeks after the sample is sent to the lab, as hair processing and analysis require specialized techniques.
Is hair testing more accurate than blood tests for lithium?
Hair testing provides a longer-term snapshot of lithium exposure, which can be useful for monitoring chronic use. However, blood tests are more immediate and often used for acute assessment or dose adjustments.
Can hair lithium levels change if I stop taking lithium?
Yes, hair lithium levels can gradually decrease over time as new hair grows without lithium exposure. Results may take months to reflect changes in your current medication or lifestyle.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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