PROJECT TEAM
Ole Köhler-Forsberg:
MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Bipolar Clinic – Aarhus University Hospital Psychiatry Department, Psychosis Research Unit – Aarhus University
Lars Albert Beck Thomsen:
Managing Partner, Business Architect, Trustworks
THE NEED
Current lithium monitoring protocols rely on perfect timing, which is rarely achieved in clinical practice. Mistimed blood tests can result in dangerous dosing errors, risking intoxication or relapse in patients with bipolar disorder.
THE SOLUTION
A clinically validated formula estimates the 12-hour serum lithium level from off-time blood tests, giving psychiatrists an accurate and reliable tool to guide lithium dosing safely and more flexibly.
eLi12: Optimising Lithium Treatment for Bipolar Disorder – AUH
Call 3 – 2023 | Call 6 – 2024
GRANT: 2 x 500,000 DKK
Clinical Area
Psychiatry, bipolar disorder, medication management
Technology
Clinical decision support, medical algorithms, digital health tools
PROJECT SUMMARY
Lithium is the gold-standard treatment for bipolar disorder but requires precise blood monitoring 12 hours after the last dose to avoid toxicity or relapse. In practice, over 75% of tests are mistimed, leading to inaccurate results and risky dosage adjustments.
The eLi12 project has developed and validated a formula that calculates the correct lithium level even outside the 12-hour window. This improves clinical decision-making and allows for safer, more flexible monitoring. The tool is being implemented in clinical practice at Aarhus University Hospital with strong support from regional and technical partners.
CLINICAL IMPACT
The innovation reduces risks tied to mistimed lithium tests, increases safety, supports better clinical decisions, and enables more patient-centred care for people living with bipolar disorder.