Measurement of Litium (Li) and Aluminium (Al) in Human Sera

Introduction

Lithium compounds are used as therapeutic agents in psychiatric disorders, however, due to the occurrence of side-effects if too much is taken, it is necessary to control the dosage by monitoring its concentration in blood sera. In January, 2000, the United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) announced the content restriction of aluminium in non-oral drugs (drip solutions, etc.). Orally ingested aluminium is almost all excreted as it is from the body, without being absorbed, and the majority of the portion that is absorbed in the body is thought to be excreted in the urine. However, it has been pointed out that individuals with renal dysfunction who take aluminium non-orally over a long period of time display symptoms of toxicity. Introduced here are examples of analysis of lithium and aluminium in human sera (NIST 909b Human Sera Level ! and @) by the flame method and furnace method, respectively.

October 19, 2004 GMT