Magnesium Test

This test is performed to identify magnesium levels in blood. Individuals experiencing the following symptoms are recommended to get a magnesium test done:

• Irregular heartbeats
• Weight loss
• Extreme irritability
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness, twitching or cramps
• Fatigue
• Seizures
• Confusion and slurred speech

A magnesium test is recommended to individuals with the following conditions:

• Alcohol addiction
• Diabetes
• Eating disorder
• Poor diet
• Abnormally high or low levels of calcium or potassium in blood
• Kidney problems

It is also recommended in individuals who are on calcium or magnesium supplements.

No special preparations are needed for magnesium test. However, it is best to inform the doctor about any ongoing therapy including herbs, vitamins and supplements as these may interfere with test results

It is a simple test that involves the collection of a blood sample from a vein in the arm. The doctor will first clean the skin at the site of needle insertion with an antiseptic solution. An elastic band called tourniquet is tied above the area of blood collection to help locate the vein easily. The blood sample is then collected into a syringe or a vial, and the tourniquet is removed.

Some individuals may feel slight pain, pricking or stinging sensation at the site of injection. Throbbing or slight bruise may be experienced after the test, which will disappear soon.

Some of the risks associated with the magnesium blood test include bleeding, bruising, infection, hematoma and a feeling of lightheadedness or fainting.

The doctor may also recommend a magnesium urine test along with the blood test.

Test results vary based on several factors such as age, gender, medical history and the method used for testing.

Normal results:

Normal levels of magnesium vary with age and are usually expressed in milliequivalents per litre (mEq/mL). Normal blood magnesium levels are:

•  1.4 to 2 mEq/L in newborns 
• 1.4 to 1.7 mEq/L in children 
•  1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L in adults

This range may vary from laboratory to laboratory as different laboratories use different measurements and test samples.

Abnormal results: 

Higher than normal levels of magnesium may indicate the following:

• Loss of kidney function
• Dehydration due to loss of body fluids
• Addison’s disease, i.e., insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands
• Oliguria, i.e., less than the normal amount of urine

Lower than normal levels of magnesium may indicate the following:

• Long-term diarrhoea
• Liver cirrhosis and loss of liver function
• Excessive insulin
• Insufficient production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands
• High blood pressure and presence of protein in urine in pregnant women
• Ulcerative colitis, i.e., inflammation of the lining of the large intestine and rectum
• Abnormally high production of the hormone aldosterone by adrenal glands
• Pancreatitis

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.