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Lithium

Lithium is a type of drug called a mood stabilizer that is primarily used to manage symptoms if you are living with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Testing measures the amount or concentration of lithium in the blood.

Doctors use lithium testing to determine what specific dose of lithium is needed to treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Repeat testing is ordered at various times during treatment to monitor you and decide if a change in dose is needed.

Sometimes a lithium test is required to check for lithium poisoning, which happens when too much of the drug is taken or there is a buildup of the drug in the body.