LabInformationLab tests, explained

Lithium Level Test in California

Lithium Level Test is a laboratory test you can order directly. A lithium level test measures how much lithium is in your blood. It is ordered to check that lithium, a medicine used to treat some mood conditions, stays in a safe range and to help guide dose adjustments. Across California, part of Pacific, the lithium level test can be ordered directly and collected at a certified site — no referral required.

Sample type
blood
Category
General Wellness
Turnaround
1-3 business days
Price
$45
Referral
Not required

A lithium level test measures how much lithium is in your blood. It is ordered to check that lithium, a medicine used to treat some mood conditions, stays in a safe range and to help guide dose adjustments.

What it measures

  • Lithium concentration — The amount of lithium in your blood at the time of the draw.
  • Therapeutic range — The range where lithium is most likely to work and be safer for most people.
  • Trough level — A level drawn 8 to 12 hours after your last dose, when timing matters.
  • Toxic level — A level above the usual range, which needs prompt medical attention.

Who it is for

It is typically ordered by a prescribing clinician for people taking lithium, especially when starting, changing dose, or having side effects.

Preparation

No fasting is needed. Timing matters: most levels are drawn 8 to 12 hours after your last dose, so follow your clinician's instructions on when to take your dose.

Results and what they mean

Results are reported as a number, often with the reference range. Your clinician compares the number with your dose, symptoms, and other labs; this is general information, not medical advice, and only your clinician can interpret your result.

Requesting the Lithium Level Test in California

Order online, choose a certified collection site in California, and review results through a secure portal. No referral is required, and orders are processed confidentially. Because the region is uneven, coastal metros, inland towns, and rural counties with very different access to testing — worth planning around when you book.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast?

No. Fasting is not required for a lithium level.

When should I take my dose before the test?

Ask your clinician. Many levels are drawn 8 to 12 hours after the last dose, so the timing of your dose matters.

What if my level is outside the range?

Do not change your dose on your own. Contact your clinician, who will decide what, if anything, needs to change.

Can other medicines affect the result?

Yes. Some medicines and dehydration can affect lithium levels, so tell your clinician about everything you take.

Lithium Level Test by city in California

All testing in California →   Full Lithium Level Test guide →