1151. Lithium
Description
Lithium is a drug that is widely used as a sedative in psychiatry and neurology for the treatment of depressive, manic states. The drug is highly toxic, and its overdose is very dangerous. Consequently, it is very important to choose the correct dose by measuring the levels of the drug in the blood.
This test is used to select and adjust the dose of lithium, as well as to diagnose overdose and lithium poisoning.
When and who needs the test?
- at the beginning of treatment with drugs containing lithium;
- finding out the reason for the ineffectiveness of lithium therapy;
- for symptoms that indicate toxic effects.
Biological material
- Venous blood
Preparing for a blood test
In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules:
- an important condition for laboratory tests is to take blood on an empty stomach.
- 6-12 hours before the test, you should avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, and limit physical activity. Drinking...