Magnesium

What this laboratory test evaluates

Magnesium Test
This test measures magnesium levels in the blood to help diagnose and treat conditions related to abnormal magnesium levels, such as too low (hypomagnesemia) or too high (hypermagnesemia). Low magnesium can occur with chronic kidney issues, inflammation of the pancreas, and liver damage due to alcohol. High magnesium levels might be seen in kidney failure or Addison's Disease, where the adrenal glands don't produce enough of certain hormones.

What patients is this test right for?This test might be recommended for individuals showing symptoms of abnormal magnesium levels.

Low Magnesium Symptoms:• Muscle cramps or twitches
• Mental disorders
• Irregular heartbeat
• Feeling tired
High Magnesium Symptoms:• Nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Urine retention
• Difficulty breathing

What type of sample is required for this test?1 mL serum.
A simple blood draw is needed.

Test Resources:Not available.

Additional test information

Magnesium measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of hypomagnesemia (abnormally low plasma levels of magnesium) and hypermagnesemia (abnormally high plasma levels of magnesium). Magnesium is decreased in chronic nephritis, acute pancreatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. It is increased in acute or chronic renal failure and Addison's Disease.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Serum
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.