Magnesium Serum Test

Serum magnesium test

It is a simple biochemical test that measures the magnesium levels in blood. Magnesium is an important mineral that plays a vital role in various bodily functions like: maintaining normal blood pressure, bone health, maintaining normal potassium and calcium levels, maintaining proper nerve and muscle functions, regulating heart rate and for good immune system. Major amount of magnesium is found in bones and cells of various tissues of the body. Abnormal magnesium levels may lead to various mild to serious complications.

The major source of magnesium for the body is through food. The rich sources of magnesium are green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes, milk and whole grains.

The major causes of low magnesium levels (also called hypomagnesaemia) in the body are alcohol abuse, malabsorption (due to gastrointestinal surgery or disease) and type2diabetes. The symptoms associated with low levels are:

• Appetite loss
• Nausea, vomiting
• Extreme tiredness
• Numbness and tingling
• Seizures
• Abnormal heart rate

The major causes of high magnesium levels (also called hypermagnesemia) are taking excess of magnesium supplements, intake of certain laxatives and problems with excretion of magnesium such as kidney failure. The symptoms of high levels are:

• Loose motions
• Nausea, vomiting
• Confusion
• Slow heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Rarely cardiac arrest
• Decreased reflexes

Why is serum magnesium test prescribed?

Your healthcare provider may ask you to undergo this test in the following situations:

• If he suspects abnormal magnesium levels due to above mentioned conditions.
• To check magnesium levels regularly in conditions such as diabetes, renal disease, and persistent loose motions
• If there is persistent low levels of potassium and calcium in the body.
• During pregnancy –low levels occur in pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy)

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for magnesium serum test is taken from blood by inserting a small needle into vein of your arm .a small amount of blood is then collected in test tube or vial. You may feel some pain due to needle prick. You may resume your daily activities immediately. Since certain medications affect magnesium levels so discuss with health care provider before undergoing this test. No particular preparations are needed before the test.

Reference range

Normal reference range-1.7-2.3 mg/dl

Normal range varies from lab to lab