Magnesium Test, Serum Test
Magnesium Test, Serum Test
Magnesium is a micro-mineral in the body that has a role in DNA synthesis, normal muscle and nerve activity, blood sugar, blood pressure balance, and the maintenance of strong bones, among other functions.
In healthy people, the normal range for magnesium levels in the blood is 1.7 to 2.3 mg/dL, often influenced by diet, supplement use, exercise, and pregnancy. However, imbalances in blood magnesium concentrations are commonly seen in many health problems.
Your doctor may order a magnesium blood test if they suspect you have conditions or diseases that could raise or lower your magnesium levels. The test is also used to help check the severity of poorly controlled diabetes, malabsorption syndrome, alcohol use disorder, and abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone.
What is the Magnesium Test Used For?
A magnesium test is used
To find out the underlying causes of abnormal magnesium levels in individuals having related symptoms
To diagnose gastrointestinal disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, alcohol use disorder, kidney diseases
To check for the possibility of preeclampsia (characterized by high blood pressure) in pregnant women
To identify problems with calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and/or parathyroid hormone levels
For periodic monitoring of oral or intravenous magnesium treatment efficacy
Symptoms of Abnormal Blood Magnesium
Symptoms indicating too low magnesium (also called hypomagnesemia) include
Tremors or numbness in hands or feet
Excessive tiredness and weakness
Muscle pain
Altered mental state
Abnormal eye movement (nystagmus)
Abnormal heart rhythm (most severe cases)
Seizure (in severe cases)
Individuals with kidney failure or those using medications containing magnesium, like antacids for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or laxatives for constipation, often experience symptoms of high magnesium (hypermagnesemia), which commonly include
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea and pain in the upper belly
Abnormal low blood pressure
Headaches and other neurological impairments
Irregular heartbeat
Cardiac arrest (in severe cases)
Preparation for Test
No specific preparation is required for the serum magnesium test. However, you may need to stop taking vitamins or herbal supplements for at least a week before the sample collection. And, if the magnesium investigation is conducted as a part of a basic metabolic panel test, fasting for 8-12 hours is recommended.
Interpretation of Test Results
Measurement of lipase blood test is reported in milligrams per deciliter(mg/dL), with the reference range provided in the table below. However, these values may vary among different labs.
|
Blood Magnesium Levels |
Interpretation |
|
Less than 1.7 mg/dL |
Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) |
|
1.7 to 2.3 mg/dL |
Normal |
|
Above 2.3 mg/dL |
High magnesium levels (Hypermagnesemia) |
FAQs
What happens during the Magnesium blood test?
During this test, your doctor will collect a blood sample into a tube from a vein in your arm with a small needle and send it to the lab for further analysis. The whole process lasts about a few minutes.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
The magnesium blood test is mostly safe, with minimal risks such as temporary discomfort or pain at the needle insertion site.
What is hypermagnesemia?
Hypermagnesemia or magnesium poisoning is a rare condition where a person has high magnesium levels in the blood due to excess magnesium intake with a coexisting impaired kidney function or complete organ failure. Symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, neurological impairment, and much more.
For low magnesium levels, what is the best treatment?
For low magnesium levels (below 1.7 mg/dL), treatment typically involves oral magnesium supplements. But sometimes, they can cause diarrhea if not taken under a doctor's supervision. In severe deficiency cases, hospitalization becomes necessary, where magnesium may be administered through an intravenous (IV) drip.
What conditions can lead to abnormal magnesium levels?
One can have abnormal magnesium levels in the blood for various reasons.
For instance, low magnesium levels are often seen with:
· Malnutrition
· Chronic kidney diseases
· Prolonged diarrhea
· Uncontrolled diabetes
· Habits like alcohol use disorder and smoking
· Gut problems
· Long-term use of diuretics
· Preeclampsia ( in pregnancy)
· Underactive parathyroid gland
· Gastric bypass surgery
· Low potassium and calcium levels
Whereas a person can suffer magnesium toxicity due to:
· Kidney failure
· Excessive intake of magnesium-containing supplements, laxatives, or antacids
· Dehydration
· Addison’s disease (caused by insufficient cortisol or aldosterone production from the adrenal glands)
· Overactive parathyroid gland
· Long-term use of calcium and potassium-sparing medications
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