Bipolar and lithium

Direct and on-site verification of lithium medication

FISIC Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental disorder characterized by shifting moods, sometimes manic or hypomanic, then depressed. Drug treatment is often necessary. It occurs in 2-4% of the population.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychological disorder characterized by shifting moods, sometimes manic or hypomanic, then depressed. Drug treatment is often necessary. Bipolar Disorder affects 2-4% of the population.

Lithium

Lithium is the most widely used drug, 60-80% effective, but has drawbacks because of its toxicity. Regular monitoring of blood lithium levels is necessary. The lithium content is monitored on average between 5 - 7 times a year.

Limitations of current measurement procedure

The current infrastructure to monitor the lithium drug does not contribute to the best treatment. Currenlty the lithium concentration is determined in a central lab. Additional travel and keeping a precise 12-hour medication/measurement interval creates extra hassle and inconvenience for the patient. The long waiting times of several days before receiving measurement results lead to patient uncertainty. Especially when a quick result is essential, the current measurement procedure via the laboratory takes too long. The long waiting times creates insecurity and health risks for the patient. This certainly plays a role when an intoxication is suspected.

Low adherence

Another problem with the treatment is the low adherence. Good adherence is necessary to prevent a relapse in treatment. 75% of individuals with bipolar disorder take their medication inconsistently for a variety of reasons. Despite lithium's high effectiveness, only 50% of individuals with bipolar disorder use the drug.

In addition to lithium control, the control of creatinine levels and kidney function is important. This is necessary in order to adjust for kidney variations and thus for the actual lithium concentration in blood. The risk of lithium intoxication increases if the adjustment for kidney function is not carried out or too late. For this reason, there is a desire for a combination test in which lithium and creatinine levels and kidney function are measured.

Directly measure lithium, creatinine and kidney function in case of uncertainty

By introducing a self test for lithium, creatinine and kidney function it is possible to gain optimal control over lithium medication. A self test simplifies the measurement process, reduces uncertainty and will result in higher compliance. By detecting intoxications in time, neurological damage will be prevented and hospital admissions will be reduced. As a result the patient's quality of life will improve.

FISIC has developed the Medimate self-test to determine lithium, creatinine and kidney function from one single blood drop. This is now offered to practitioners for measurements at the clinic and to a limited extent to patients at home.

In addition to lithium, the drug Depakine (active ingredient valproic acid or valproate acid) is prescribed for bipolar disorder. This drug needs to be monitored regularly. It is expected that the Fisic Medimate will be able to measure this drug in the future.


Lithium self test




More information?

Contact If you are interested to see what the Medimate can do for you, you can ask us a question, request an interview or request a product presentation. You can find more documentation in the documentation section.