Lithium in Tissues (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of lithium present in a sample of your body tissue, often used to assess lithium exposure or distribution in certain medical conditions.
["Lithium in tissues helps monitor how the drug is absorbed and retained in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18238-6
- Short code
- Lithium Tiss-mCnt
- Synonyms
- Lithium Tiss-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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking lithium medication to treat conditions like bipolar disorder or certain neurological disorders. It can help check if lithium levels in your tissues are within safe ranges or if adjustments to your treatment are needed.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required. If you’re taking lithium, you may be asked to stop it temporarily before the test, depending on your doctor’s instructions. Your provider will discuss this with you.
What the Results Mean
Tissue lithium levels can vary widely and are not directly compared to standard blood or urine ranges. Results help determine if lithium is accumulating in your body tissues, which could indicate toxicity or inadequate dosing.
Common Uses and Conditions
This test is often used in cases of suspected lithium toxicity, monitoring long-term lithium therapy, or evaluating unusual symptoms (like muscle weakness or confusion) that may not align with blood or urine levels alone.
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.
Lithium tissue levels provide a broader picture of lithium distribution in the body, which can be critical for diagnosing or managing conditions where lithium accumulates in tissues. High levels may signal overdose or improper dosing, while low levels might indicate insufficient therapeutic effect.
Short name
Lithium Level in Body Tissue
Frequently asked questions
How is lithium measured in tissues?
Will I need to fast before this test?
Can lithium levels in tissues differ from blood or urine tests?
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