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Usefulness of Saliva Lithium Estimation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Abraham Verghese
Affiliation:
Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
N. Indrani
Affiliation:
Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
K. Kuruvilla
Affiliation:
Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
Peter G. Hill
Affiliation:
Christian Medical College, Vellore, India

Summary

Estimation of lithium in 24 samples of serum and saliva show that there is a very high correlation between the lithium levels in serum and saliva (r= +0·88). The ratio found in our patients is very similar to that reported from North America. Estimation of lithium in saliva at different periods of time show there is a good degree of stability for saliva lithium levels. Thus saliva can be used as a substitute for serum for lithium monitoring. The practical advantages of this are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists 1977 

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