Magnesium (Mg)

About Test

The Magnesium (Mg) assay measures the concentration of magnesium, an essential mineral involved in numerous physiological processes within the body. Magnesium plays a critical role in muscle and nerve function, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and bone health. This test is vital in assessing magnesium levels to diagnose deficiencies or excesses, which can lead to various health complications.

Maintaining optimal magnesium levels is crucial for overall health and well-being. Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) may result from inadequate dietary intake, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, or certain medications. Symptoms of hypomagnesemia can include muscle weakness, tremors, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue. Conversely, elevated magnesium levels (hypermagnesemia) may occur due to excessive intake of magnesium supplements, kidney dysfunction, or certain medications.

Physicians often order magnesium testing as part of routine health screenings, especially for individuals with conditions predisposing them to magnesium imbalances, such as diabetes, heart disease, or gastrointestinal disorders. Monitoring magnesium levels allows healthcare providers to diagnose deficiencies or excesses promptly and implement appropriate interventions, such as dietary modifications, supplementation, or medication adjustments, to restore magnesium balance and optimize health outcomes.

Sample Requirements

Gold SST Tube

Stability

Serum: 7 days 2-8°C

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Gold SST Tube

Assay Interferences

Interferences

Lipemia: Interference less than 10% or 0.12 mmol/L up to 200 mg/dL Intralipid

Icterus: Interference less than 10% or 0.12 mmol/L up to 28 mg/dL or 479 μmol/L bilirubin

Haemolysis: Haemolysed samples should be avoided due to the higher magnesium concentration in erythrocytes.
Interference less than 10% or 0.12 mmol/L up to 1.5 g/L haemoglobin

Calcium: Interference less than 3% or 0.12 mmol/L up to 30 mg/dL or 7.5 mmol/L

Other: Eltrombopag and its metabolites may interfere with this assay causing erroneously high patient results.

Reference Range (mmol/L):

Serum: 0.7 - 1.0

Known factors:

Decreased Magnesium

  • Problem: Incorrect container or anticoagulant
    Caused by: K-EDTA contamination

Critical Value:

Above 1.44 mmol/L or Below 0.41 mmol/L