Lithium monitoring by reverse iontophoresis in

tophoresis as an alternative, noninvasive method for lithium monitoring in vivo. The objectives of such an approach would be to facilitate compliance with treat-ment and to improve the quality of life for bipolar patients. Methods: We studied 23 bipolar or schizo-affective patients. Over a 2-h period, we extracted lithium and other cations across intact skin by application of an electric current (0.8 mA) and quantified the concentra-tions by ion chromatography. A blood sample provided comparative reference values for the drug and other electrolytes. Results: Lithium, sodium, potassium, and calcium were efficiently extracted by iontophoresis. Lithium extrac-tion fluxes were proportional to the corresponding se