Magnesium, Serum

SKU: 001537
$39.70
$39.70
Unavailable
This test is used primarily to evaluate magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency produces neuromuscular disorders. It may cause weakness, tremors, tetany, and convulsions. Hypomagnesemia is associated with hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, long-term hyperalimentation, intravenous therapy, diabetes mellitus, especially during treatment of ketoacidosis; alcoholism and other types of malnutrition; malabsorption hyperparathyroidism; dialysis; pregnancy; and hyperaldosteronism. Renal loss of magnesium occurs with cis-platinum chemotherapy.  Magnesium deficiency is described with cardiac arrhythmias. The concept that magnesium deficiency may cause arrhythmias is of significant concern. Increased magnesium levels relate mostly to patients in renal failure. Marked increases may be found in such patients who take magnesium salts usually found in antacids which contain magnesium. High magnesium levels are manifested by decreased reflexes, somnolence, and heart block.
MagnesiumAt a GlanceAlso known as:Mg; Mag Formal name:Magnesium Related tests:Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Parathyroid hormone (PTH), Vitamin D Why Get Tested?To evaluate the level of magnesium in your blood and to help determine the cause of abnormal calcium and/or potassium levels

When to Get Tested?When you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, cardiac arrhythmia, nausea, and/or diarrhea that may be due to too much or too little magnesium; when you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels

Sample Required?A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm

Test Preparation Needed?Overnight fasting may be required; follow any instructions that you are given