Can we check serum lithium levels less often without compromising patient safety?
Adrian H HealdDavid HollandMichael StedmanMark DaviesChris J DuffCeri ParfittLewis GreenJonathan ScargillDavid M TaylorAnthony A FryerPublished in: BJPsych open (2021)
We propose that for those who achieve 12 months of lithium tests within the 0.40-0.79 mmol/L range, the interval between tests could increase to 6 months, irrespective of age. Where lithium levels are 0.80-0.99 mmol/L, the test interval should remain at 3 months. This could reduce lithium test numbers by 15% and costs by ~$0.4 m p.a.