Instant lithium monitoring: a clinical revolution in the making

The recent availability of portable ion selective electrodes (ISE) for clinical applications has enabled lithium estimations to be performed instantly and at close proximity to patients. The significance of this is, not in the accuracy of the determination, but in the speed of the feedback provided to doctor and patient, and hence the promotion of compliance. The impact of this on lithium therapy can only be described as a clinical revolution in the making.