Lithium near me in Chennai

(Li)

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required
Recommended specimen: just before the next dose is due at steady dose

Understanding Lithium in Chennai

What is Lithium in Chennai?

The Lithium Test is performed to measure the concentration of lithium in blood. Lithium (Li+) is an element that is used as an antipsychotic medicines. These medicines are used in the treatment of bipolar disorders and psychological conditions like depression.

This test is done to know the correct dose for the treatment, which contains lithium as an constituent. It also helps analyze the concentration of lithium in the blood which helps to note if there is a possibility of lithium toxicity. Some of the common symptoms of lithium toxicity include seizures, drowsiness, and irregular heartbeat.

Sources of dietary lithium include fruits, vegetables, grains (oats), and seafood. Staying hydrated, keeping caffeine and salt intake constant, and avoiding alcohol can help in keeping lithium levels stable.

What does Lithium measure?

Lithium is an alkali metal which occurs in trace amounts in the human body mainly obtained from dietary sources. Lithium compounds are used as antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disease is a psychological condition where the patient goes through alternating periods of severe depression and mania. It is thus associated with sudden and unpredictable mood swings. Lithium is prescribed as a mood stabilizer to treat these sudden mood swings. It is also used as an augmenting agent for patients being treated for depression but not responding to standard medications. Lithium may also be prescribed for other psychological diseases as an augmenting agent.

Lithium is a drug which acts relatively slowly and may take several weeks to be effective in treatment. Hence, its concentration in blood needs to be maintained within a steady therapeutic range for it to be effective as a drug. Lower than the therapeutic range concentrations make it ineffective as a medicine, while higher than the therapeutic range concentration causes lithium toxicity. The blood level of lithium is thus monitored at regular intervals to help maintain it within the effective therapeutic range.