Lithium concentration in urine (24-hour collection)
This test measures the total amount of lithium present in your urine over a 24-hour period. Lithium is often used to treat certain mental health conditions, and monitoring its levels helps ensure safe dosing.
["This test helps doctors check how well your body is handling lithium and prevents potential buildup that could be harmful."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110374-6
- Short code
- Lithium Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- Lithium Msmt Ur
- 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
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking lithium medication to manage conditions like bipolar disorder or certain types of depression. It’s also used to monitor lithium levels in people who’ve had kidney issues or those taking other medications that interact with lithium.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, starting right after you wake up and ending just before you wake up the next morning. A healthcare provider will provide instructions on how to properly collect and store the urine samples. You may need to adjust your diet or medications temporarily to avoid interfering substances.
What Happens During the Test
No special preparation is required beyond collecting your urine samples. The urine is sent to a lab, where it’s analyzed to determine the total lithium content. The test doesn’t involve drawing blood or other invasive procedures.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as the total amount of lithium excreted in urine (often in milligrams or micrograms) over the 24-hour period. While reference ranges can vary by lab, abnormal results may indicate either too much lithium in your system or insufficient excretion, depending on your clinical situation.
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.
High urine lithium levels might suggest lithium toxicity, especially if symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or confusion are present. Low levels could indicate inadequate medication absorption or kidney issues. Regular monitoring helps balance lithium to avoid both underdosing and overdosing, which can affect mood, heart function, or kidney health.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Lithium
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
Can I drink water or eat certain foods while collecting urine samples?
What if I miss collecting urine at the end of the 24-hour period?
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