Magnesium Serum Test

The magnesium test is specifically done in certain cases of suspected deficiencies; symptoms include muscle cramps (twitching), irregular heart beats, confusion, and even seizures (in severe cases). It may also be ordered in cases of underlying health conditions like alcoholism, malabsorption and diabetes mellitus. Magnesium tests may also be indicated in cases of suspected toxicity like muscle weakness, difficulty breathing or cardiac abnormalities.

A magnesium serum test is done to:

• Check for low levels of magnesium in the body (hypomagnesemia). These can be caused by certain medical conditions or medications. They can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, tremors, seizures, and abnormal heart rhythms.
• Check for high levels of magnesium in the body (hypermagnesemia). These can also be caused by certain conditions or medications. These can lead to symptoms such as confusion, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats.
• Monitor the treatment of conditions that affect magnesium levels in the body. These are kidney disease or malnutrition.
• Check the magnesium level in patients who are on diuretic treatment, and those who are on dialysis. This is also done on those who have malabsorption, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Check the magnesium level in pregnant women. This is because magnesium is important for the healthy development of the fetus.
• Evaluate magnesium levels for patients who have symptoms related to magnesium deficiency. These can be muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, mental confusion, etc.
• Check for magnesium levels in patients who have symptoms of magnesium toxicity. These can be nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats.

Magnesium test mainly measures the magnesium levels in the blood. It is often measured  along with other elctrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride. 

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Low magnesium levels indicate magnesium deficiency. The symptoms maybe muscle twitching, irregular heart beats, confusion, and even seizures( in severe cases). Low magnesium levels may also be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious blood pressure condition affecting pregnant women. Magnesium deficiencies are often treated with magnesium supplements along with a magnesium rich diet. 
High magnesium levels may occur due to Addison disease, certain kidney complications, severe dehydration or even due to certain medications. 

A magnesium serum test is a blood test. It measures the amount of magnesium in your blood. It is used to diagnose and monitor conditions related to magnesium levels in the body.
 

Individuals who have symptoms of magnesium deficiency such as:

• Muscle weakness
• Cramps
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Abnormal heart rhythms

People who have medical conditions that affect magnesium levels in the body such as:

• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Alcoholism

Individuals who are taking medications that can affect magnesium levels, such as:

• Diuretics
• Antibiotics

People who have symptoms of magnesium toxicity such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeats

For people who are on regular dialysis should also have their magnesium levels checked regularly.

For pregnant women, as magnesium is important for the healthy development of the fetus.

Tests that may be ordered along with the magnesium test.

• Electrolyte tests
• Renal function tests
• Parathyroid hormone levels.

A low magnesium level can indicate conditions such as:

• Malabsorption
• Malnutrition
• Chronic diarrhea
• It can also indicate kidney disease or diabetes
   

A high magnesium level can indicate conditions such as renal failure or overuse of antacids containing magnesium. It can also indicate kidney disease or diabetes.

There are no risks associated with having a magnesium serum test. The only risk is from having blood drawn. This is minimal.

The normal range for magnesium levels is 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL (0.85 to 1.10 mmol/L).

Yes, magnesium levels can be affected by diet. Eating foods that are high in magnesium can help increase magnesium levels. These include nuts, legumes, and leafy green vegetables.

Yes, certain medications such as diuretics, antibiotics, and antacids can affect magnesium levels. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking before having a magnesium serum test.
 

A serum magnesium test measures the amount of magnesium in your blood, while a urine magnesium test measures the amount of magnesium in your urine.
 

• Electrolyte tests (sodium, potassium, and chloride),
• Renal function tests (BUN, creatinine)
• Parathyroid hormone levels

• Blood Magnesium Test
• Magnesium Test
• Mg Test