Magnesium

Magnesium Test is done to check the magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium is crucial due to its involvement in many body processes such as muscle and nerve functions, bone health, and even heart rhythm.  

• Technology: It involves taking a blood sample which is then subjected to laboratory procedures like colorimetry or atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the level of magnesium in blood.  
• How it works Current technology allows for the blood to be analysed for calcium ions. Having a measurement of calcium levels enables us to determine whether there is a deficiency or surplus of calcium. 

Magnesium deficiency can lead to severe health concerns and abnormalities in magnesium levels may become life-threatening if ignored. 

The magnesium test specifically analyses the serum magnesium to extract the following data: 

• Determines level of serum magnesium: amount of magnesium present in the blood stream. 
• It does not analyse how much magnesium is stored in bones or tissues, which is the most of the body’s reserves of magnesium. 

The Magnesium Test is recommended: 

• In case you have signs like: Muscle cramps, seizures, fluttering heartbeats, or general weakness.  
• If you are receiving care for kidney failure or digestive problems.  
• When undergoing hospital care, primarily for patients that are critically sick.  
• To keep track of Magnesium levels when using diuretics, antibiotics, or drugs that alter balance of electrolytes. 

• Risks 
• Almost none, mainly associated to taking blood like bruising, bleeding, pain, or infection. 
• Limitations:  
• The serum level does not completely disclose total body magnesium since the higher percentage is stored in the bones and soft tissues. 
• Receiving intravenous infusions, medications, or acute illnesses can alter the magnesium levels temporarily. 

The test analyses:  

• Serum magnesium concentration in contrast to standard reference range. 
• Other relevant electrolytes like calcium and potassium, especially if magnesium disbalance is assumed. 
• The interpretation of clinical adjustment-based considerations is based on: 

Patient’s age. 

Kidneys function level. 

• Medications taken previously. 

Consider getting a Magnesium Test if you: 

• Show signs of weakness, seizures, paraesthesia, or muscle cramps.  
• Suffer from kidney diseases or malabsorption syndromes.  
• Have been using diuretics or proton pump inhibitors for a prolonged period.  
• Have chronic conditions such as chronic diarrhea or alcoholism.  
• Have arrhythmias or are on Intravenous (IV) nutrition. 

• Helps in early detection of electrolyte imbalance.  
• Assist in prevention of serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, osteoporosis, and seizures.  
• Aids in tailoring management of patients with renal disease, digestive disorders, or critical illness.  
• Foremost important for women who are pregnant and are prone to develop Preeclampsia or Eclampsia. 

Magnesium Blood test is used for diagnosing and monitoring:  

• Hypomagnesemia (deficiency)*  
• Hypermagnesemia (excess)*  
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).  
• Gastrointestinal disorders (*such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease).  
• Malnourished.  
• Alcohol Use Disorder.  
• Some Endocrine disorders associated with the inappropriate function of the parathyroid gland. 

• Special instructions: 
• Please note that you may be required to not eat or drink anything for 6–8 hours before the test, depending on the tests being done alongside the magnesium test. 

Prerequisites 

Discuss with your physician the intake of at any point supplements, more so magnesium or antacid. 

Eligibility 

Applicable to patients of any age but very relevant for those with chronic illnesses or issues with electrolytes. 

Procedure for Taking the Test 

A qualified phlebotomist will obtain a blood sample from the patient’s arm or any other convenient site of the vein. 

Caution Before the Test 

Postponed the test if magnesium therapy has been done recently unless otherwise directed.