The lithium blood test measures the amount of lithium in your bloodstream to ensure levels stay within a safe and effective range. Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and mania, but it has a narrow therapeutic window—meaning too little may be ineffective, while too much can be toxic. Regular monitoring helps adjust the dose, prevent side effects, and guide treatment decisions. Lithium is processed by the kidneys and affected by factors like hydration, sodium levels, and overall kidney function. Symptoms such as fatigue, tremors, nausea, or confusion may signal levels that are too high or too low, making this test essential for safe and successful long-term treatment.

Lithium, a chemical element represented by the symbol Li, is both a therapeutic agent and a potential toxicant, prominently featured in Toxic and Essential Elements panels for whole blood testing. Medically, lithium is primarily used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, effectively stabilizing mood and reducing the extremes of mania and depression. In such therapeutic use, monitoring lithium levels in whole blood is crucial, as the therapeutic range is relatively narrow and closely borders on toxicity. Symptoms of lithium toxicity include nausea, tremors, confusion, and in severe cases, renal impairment and neurotoxicity. In a Toxic and Essential Elements panel, the concentration of lithium in the blood is measured to ensure it remains within a safe and effective range for patients undergoing lithium therapy.

Lithium (Li) is normally found in hair at very low levels. Hair Li correlates with high dosage of Li carbonate in patients treated for Affective Disorders. However, the clinical significance of low hair Li levels is not certain at this time. Thus, hair Li is measured primarily for research purposes. Anecdotally, clinical feedback to DDI consultants suggests that low level Li supplementation may have some beneficial effects in patients with behavioral/emotional disorders. Li occurs almost universally in water and in the diet; excess Li is rapidly excreted in urine.

Lithium is a naturally occurring trace element found in soil, groundwater, and various plant-based foods. It is best known for its pharmaceutical form—lithium carbonate or lithium citrate—used at high doses to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. However, in trace amounts, lithium may play a beneficial biological role, supporting brain health, mood regulation, cognitive function, and neuroprotection.

The "Essential Elements; urine" panel by Mosaic Diagnostics measures urinary excretion of lithium to assess short-term intake, environmental exposure, or supplementation. While lithium is not officially classified as an “essential nutrient” for humans, emerging research suggests that low-dose lithium intake may contribute to overall mental and neurological well-being.

Lithium is a mood stabilizer that can be helpful with bipolar disorder and other conditions but is well known for causing side effects and toxicity. That said, properly monitored, lithium can be safe as well as effective in controlling moods.

Lithium (Li) is normally found in hair at very low levels. Hair Li correlates with high dosage of Li carbonate in patients treated for Affective Disorders. However, the clinical significance of low hair Li levels is not certain at this time. Thus, hair Li is measured primarily for research purposes. Anecdotally, clinical feedback to DDI consultants suggests that low level Li supplementation may have some beneficial effects in patients with behavioral/emotional disorders. Li occurs almost universally in water and in the diet; excess Li is rapidly excreted in urine.

Lithocholic acid (LCA) is a bile acid formed from chenodeoxycholate by bacterial action, usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. It acts as a detergent to solubilize fats for absorption and is itself absorbed.

The Liver Fraction on Labcorp's Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Isoenzyme Panel refers to the specific portion of alkaline phosphatase that originates from the liver. This isoenzyme is measured to help assess liver function and diagnose liver-related disorders. Elevated levels of the liver fraction may indicate conditions such as liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or cholestasis. The ALP isoenzyme panel uses electrophoresis or other specialized techniques to differentiate between the liver, bone, and intestinal isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase, providing critical insight into the source of elevated ALP levels. By accurately identifying the liver fraction, healthcare providers can better understand the underlying cause of liver dysfunction and determine appropriate treatment strategies.

Liver-Kidney Microsome IgG antibody (anti-LKM), as detected by indirect immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) techniques, may be observed in patients with autoimmune hepatitis type 2 (AIH-2), AIH-2 associated with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), viral hepatitis C or D, and some forms of drug-induced hepatitis. This IFA does not differentiate among the four types of LKM antibodies (LKM-1, LKM-2, LKM-3, and a fourth type that recognizes CYP1A2 and CYP2A6 antigens). Of these, anti-LKM-1 (cytochrome P450IID6) IgG antibodies are considered specific for AIH-2.

These antibodies target a human body’s produced enzyme called cytochrome P450 2D6, a protein found primarily in liver cells which catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism. The development of the LKM antibodies is strongly associated with type 2 autoimmune hepatitis.

Liver Kidney Microsomal (LKM-1) Antibody (IgG)

The presence of LKM-1 antibodies can be used in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests to aid in the diagnosis of autoimmune liver diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH-2).

Glutenin is a major protein found in wheat and constitutes about 47% of its protein content. Glutenin is responsible for the strength and elasticity of dough. The main types of glutenin are the LMW (low molecular weight) and the HMW (high molecular weight) glutenin.

HMW glutenin has been associated with Celiac disease, asthma and Atopic dermatitis.

LMW Glutenin has been associated with Celiac disease, asthma, Atopic dermatitis, Urticaria and Anaphylaxis.

Locust bean gum, also known as carob bean gum, comes from the carob seeds of the carob tree, grown in the Mediterranean. It is a hydrocolloid used in food as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier.

Locust bean gum is used as a stabilizer, thickener, and fat replacer in foods, and also as an adjunct gelling agent and texturizer to other hydrocolloids such as carrageenan.

Long chain fatty acids are a fecal fat. Fecal fats also include triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids. They are derived predominately from the dietary ingestion of fat, and provide important clues about digestion and absorption.

Long chain fatty acids are a fecal fat. Fecal fats also include triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids. They are derived predominately from the dietary ingestion of fat, and provide important clues about digestion and absorption.