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Magnesium

Also known as Serum magnesium test

₹469

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Magnesium

What is Magnesium?

The Magnesium test is used to determine the level of magnesium, a vital mineral, in your blood. This test may be done for evaluating kidney problems or uncontrolled diabetes. It may also be performed to help diagnose gastrointestinal (relating to stomach and intestines) disorders.

Magnesium (Mg) is a macro-mineral required by the body to perform various functions. This means that your body needs large amounts of magnesium for healthy muscles, nerves, bones, and blood sugar levels. It is essential for many processes in your body, such as producing energy from food, maintaining your blood pressure, and helping your cells absorb potassium and calcium.

The doctor may ask to perform the Magnesium test if you experience symptoms such as weakness, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling, irregular heartbeat, nausea, diarrhea, confusion, slurred speech, and seizures or if the doctor suspects you of an individual is suffering from conditions like hypermagnesemia (high levels of magnesium) and hypomagnesemia (low levels of magnesium. Doctors may also recommend the Magnesium for pregnant women to check the possibilities of preeclampsia (a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure). This usually happens because magnesium blood levels decrease in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to the dilution of blood.

It has been seen that over time, low magnesium levels can cause persistently low calcium and potassium levels. Therefore, the Magnesium test may also be conducted to help diagnose problems with calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and/or parathyroid hormone, another important component of calcium regulation in the body. Magnesium levels may be measured to monitor the response to oral or intravenous (IV) magnesium supplements. The Magnesium test may be done along with calcium and phosphorus tests, to monitor calcium supplementation as well.

No special preparation is needed for the Magnesium test. Before getting tested, it is also important to inform the doctor about all the medicines you are taking, as some of them may affect your test results. Doctors may ask you to temporarily discontinue some medicines before getting this test.

Reference ranges are approximate and may vary based on factors such as age, medical history, etc. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. Based on your test results, a doctor may recommend dietary modifications or magnesium supplements, if required, to manage your condition.

What is Magnesium used for?

The Magnesium test is done:

As a part of regular health checkups to measure magnesium levels in the blood.
In case of symptoms indicating magnesium deficiency like muscular weakness, muscle twitch or cramps, irregular heartbeats or cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, etc.
In case of abnormal levels of calcium or potassium.
As a part of checkups for evaluating kidney diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, and alcoholism.
In pregnant women to check the possibility of preeclampsia (a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure).
To monitor the treatment efficacy of magnesium supplements at regular intervals.

What does Magnesium measure?

The Magnesium test determines the amount of magnesium in your blood. Magnesium enters the body through the diet and is absorbed by the small intestine and colon. Most of the magnesium is stored in the skeletal system comprising the bones and joints, while minor amounts are present in the muscles and other soft tissues. Any fluctuation in the levels of magnesium can cause various health complications that may need medical intervention. Therefore, this test serves as an important diagnostic test that helps doctors detect any abnormalities in magnesium levels and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Interpreting Magnesium results

Interpretations

Normal range: 0.85 to 1.10 mmol/L (1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL approx.)

Hypomagnesia: Below 0.85 mmol/L (Less than 1.7 mg/dL approx.)

Hypermagnesia: Above 1.10 mmol/L (Above 2.2 mg/dL approx.)

Magnesium concentration in the body is maintained within a narrow normal range between 0.85 mmol/L and 1.10 mmol/L.

Hypomagnesia or low blood magnesium is indicated if magnesium concentration lies below the normal range.

Hypermagnesia or high blood magnesium is indicated if magnesium concentration lies above the normal range.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Magnesium

Frequently Asked Questions about Magnesium

Q. Why do I need the Magnesium test?

You may need the Magnesium test if you are experiencing symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, irregular heartbeats, or other unexplained symptoms. This test can also be done if you have a kidney disorder, uncontrolled diabetes, gastrointestinal disorder, or if you are taking certain medications that may affect magnesium levels.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms associated with low magnesium levels?

The signs and symptoms of low levels of magnesium include muscle weakness, twitching, low appetite, confusion, cramping, changes in heart rate, and seizures.

Q. What causes magnesium deficiency?

There can be various causes for magnesium deficiency such as a diet that does not include enough magnesium, type 2 diabetes, digestive problems like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, long-term vomiting or diarrhea, kidney problems, long-term use of some medicines like diuretics or medicines for reflux, habits like alcoholism or smoking, etc.

Q. Which food items are good sources of magnesium?

Dietary sources such as green leafy vegetables, bananas, beans, chickpeas, cabbage, broccoli, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, are good sources of magnesium.

Q. What factors can affect the Magnesium test results?

Use of certain medications like antacids, laxatives, antibiotics, etc., alcohol, stress, prolonged diarrhea, malnutrition, kidney problems, other health issues like hyperaldosteronism (a condition in which the adrenal gland releases too much aldosterone, a hormone, into the blood) and burns affecting large areas in the body can affect the Magnesium test results.

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal Magnesium test result?

Other tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal Magnesium test include: urine magnesium test, electrolyte panel test, kidney function test, blood phosphate test and blood calcium test.

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