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Lithium Test

The lithium test monitors blood levels of this mood stabilizer, as prescribed by your doctor. As part of a comprehensive health assessment, this test helps ensure your medication levels remain within the narrow therapeutic window for optimal safety and effectiveness.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Lithium: what this test measures

This test measures the concentration of lithium in your blood, as prescribed by your doctor for mood disorders. Due to its narrow therapeutic window, precise monitoring is essential for both effectiveness and safety.

Lithium: why this value matters

Lithium has a very narrow therapeutic range, meaning the difference between an effective dose and a potentially harmful one is small. Regular monitoring helps your healthcare provider maintain optimal levels while minimizing the risk of toxicity.

Lithium: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €26,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Lithium: how to prepare

  1. Draw just before your next dose

    Required

    A drug level is measured just before your next dose. If you take it at a fixed time each day, have the blood drawn just before then. For lithium, at least 12 hours after the last dose.

  • Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
  • Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

Lithium: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing is recommended when initiating lithium therapy, after dose adjustments, during illness or dehydration, or when kidney function changes. Your doctor will advise on the appropriate monitoring schedule for your situation.

Lithium: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Low lithium levels may indicate subtherapeutic dosing, which can be associated with inadequate mood stabilization and a return of bipolar symptoms. Consult your healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

High Levels

High lithium levels may indicate a risk of toxicity, which can be associated with tremor, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, and in severe cases, kidney problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Lithium: lifestyle and this value

Take lithium exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Maintain consistent fluid intake and avoid sudden changes in salt consumption, as these can affect lithium levels. Attend all scheduled blood monitoring and kidney function appointments.

Lithium: frequently asked questions

Why does lithium require such frequent monitoring?

Lithium has a very narrow therapeutic window, meaning the effective dose is close to levels that may cause toxicity. Factors like hydration, kidney function, and other medications can shift levels, making regular monitoring essential for safety.

Can dehydration affect my lithium levels?

Yes, dehydration can cause lithium levels to rise, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity. It is important to maintain adequate fluid intake, especially during hot weather, exercise, or illness.

When should the blood sample be taken?

Lithium levels are typically measured 12 hours after the last dose (trough level). Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on the timing of your blood draw.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

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A 45-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
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Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Albumin ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Protein Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect)
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A 52-biomarker metabolic panel inspired by the WHOOP Metabolic Health Panel — blood sugar regulation, insulin, thyroid, liver and the mineral cofactors behind your metabolism.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) Leptin Zinc Selenium Iodine Copper Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
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Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
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Lithium

€26,-