Casandra
Casandra Test Code QD28206Version 1 (DRAFT)
Performing Lab
Lithium, RBCs
Clinical Use
Order TestUse
Lithium, RBCs measures lithium levels inside red blood cells, providing a more stable reflection of long-term exposure compared to serum testing. This type of monitoring supports therapeutic effectiveness evaluation, detection of toxicity, and dosing guidance for psychiatric treatment contexts.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Not provided.
Test Details
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Lithium
AnalyteLithium (RBC) • Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)
Result Turnaround Time
3-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Tissue
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Royal Blue top tube (Trace metal‑free; EDTA)
Collection Instructions
Submit in container with a non‑Lithium based anticoagulant. Centrifuge and separate RBCs into an acid washed screw capped vial within two hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Received Room Temperature. Received Frozen. Light Green top tube (Lithium Heparin).
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Not Stable |
| Refrigerated | Undetermined |
| Frozen | Not Stable |