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Magnesium

Dr. Abhishtita MudunuriLast Updated on 21st March 2022

Magnesium is vital for a healthy heart, bones, nerves, and muscles. It helps the body control energy, blood pressure, blood sugar, and many other procedures. A magnesium blood test measures the amount of magnesium in the blood. Magnesium is an electrolyte or an electrically charged mineral responsible for several essential procedures and functions in the body. Levels of magnesium in the blood that are too high or too low can be the symptom of a health issue. Therefore, a magnesium blood test is done to diagnose a specific health problem arising due to magnesium overdose or deficiency.

What is the Magnesium test used for? What is included in the Magnesium test?Procedure for Magnesium test How to prepare for the Magnesium test?Things to consider after the Magnesium test is complete What types of conditions can the Magnesium test detect? How much does the Magnesium test cost? What do abnormal Magnesium test results indicate?Is the magnesium test a definitive test? Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Magnesium test used for?

A magnesium blood test is used for checking magnesium levels in the blood. Too low magnesium levels in the blood are called hypomagnesemia which is magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium deficiency is more common than hypermagnesemia, a condition where a high level of magnesium is present in the blood.

A magnesium blood test is even included with the tests of the other electrolytes like calcium, sodium, chloride, and potassium.

What is included in the Magnesium test?

The magnesium blood test helps in evaluating magnesium levels in the blood. It helps determine the cause of abnormal magnesium levels in the blood and other elements like potassium and calcium. It is done during the ongoing treatment of abnormal magnesium levels in the blood. It is a single test without any additional tests included.

Procedure for Magnesium test

A healthcare professional takes a blood sample from the vein in the arm of the patient using a needle. They insert the needle into the vein and collect a small amount of blood into a vial or test tube. You might feel slight pain when the needle goes in and even when it comes out. The entire procedure takes only five minutes or less.

Book a Magnesium test to check your blood magnesium level!

How to prepare for the Magnesium test?

No such preparation is needed for the magnesium blood test. To facilitate easy access to the vein, you need to wear a shirt that you can roll up above the elbows. Certain medications can affect magnesium levels. Inform your doctor about any over-the-counter and prescription medicines you are taking.

Avoid taking magnesium medicines for a minimum of 3 days before the test. Such medicines include magnesium supplements, antacids containing magnesium, diuretics, and laxatives like Epsom salts and milk of magnesia.

Things to consider after the Magnesium test is complete

You might notice some pain at the site where the blood was taken from your arm, but it will disappear within a few days. Your healthcare provider might also want you to keep the bandage on for some hours to decrease the chances of experiencing any bruising.

There are some follow-up instructions that you must follow after the magnesium blood test, and you can easily resume all normal activities.

What types of conditions can the Magnesium test detect?

A magnesium test can detect either the low level of magnesium which is a sign of diabetes, poor nutrition, digestive issues, or chronic alcoholism. It also detects high magnesium levels, which is a sign of kidney diseases, dehydration, Addison ailments, and too much use of laxatives or antacids.

How much does the Magnesium test cost?

Magnesium helps produce energy in the functioning of the nerves, maintaining strong bones and muscle contraction. Magnesium overdose or deficiency can result in serious health problems. Therefore it is essential to undertake a magnesium blood test that costs approximately Rs. 660. Nevertheless, keep in mind that this cost can vary from one lab to another.

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for the Magnesium test?

You can expect to get the results for the Magnesium test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal Magnesium test results indicate?

The normal range for the magnesium blood test is 1.7 to 2.3 milligrams per decilitre for people aged 17 and above. However, the exact standards for normal magnesium test results might vary based on your:

Health
Age
Sex
Body type

The standards also largely depend on the lab that performs the test. Low and high levels of magnesium have varied causes. You need to discuss the results with a doctor to get precise information.

Abnormal magnesium blood test results indicate that you might be either suffering from magnesium overdose or magnesium deficiency in your body. If the results show you are suffering from magnesium deficiency, your doctor will suggest taking magnesium supplements to raise the mineral levels.

Nevertheless, if the results show excessive magnesium in the blood, your doctor might suggest IV therapies where medications are delivered to the veins directly for removing excessive magnesium.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports.

Is the magnesium test a definitive test?

Yes, the magnesium blood test is a definitive test for interpreting whether a person is suffering from magnesium deficiency or overdose. Remember that magnesium is a significant mineral that transports potassium and calcium ions to the different cell membranes in the human body. Sometimes, the human body cannot absorb sufficient magnesium, resulting in a deficiency.

How to read the Magnesium report?

The normal range for magnesium in the blood is 1.7 to 2.3 mg/dL. Normal values might slightly differ among the varied laboratories. That’s because some laboratories use varied test samples and measurements. You need to consult your doctor about the meaning of the test report.

Magnesium blood test results can vary based on health history, gender, age, the method used for testing, and other things. However, the test results do not always mean that you have a certain problem.

The results of a magnesium blood test are provided in mEq/L or milliequivalents per litre. Normal test results are basically in a range of:

1.4 to 1.7 mEq/L for children
1.6 to 2.6 mEq/L for adults
1.4 to 2 mEq/L for new-borns

Abnormal levels of magnesium in the blood can have different possible causes. Increased levels can be associated with kidney diseases because the kidneys excrete magnesium. Low magnesium levels can be a sign of digestive issues, long-term alcoholism, and malnourishment.

Book a Magnesium to check your blood magnesium level!

Magnesium test at home – how does it work?

The magnesium test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.

Are there any risks involved with magnesium?

There are hardly any risks involved in undertaking the magnesium blood test. You might have a bit of bruising or pain in the area where the blood is taken from your arm. But the majority of the symptoms go away very quickly.

Serious risks of the test are pretty rare, including infection, inflammation, and fainting. Also, a bit of risk is involved in drawing blood because the arteries and veins in different people vary in size. Therefore, taking blood from some individuals might be more difficult than others.

Other risks include:

Multiple punctures for locating veins
Excessive bleeding
Infection
Hematoma or blood accumulating under the skin

What can affect the results for magnesium?

Certain medicines like laxatives and antacids can cause magnesium levels to rise in the body. Medicines like insulin, antibiotics, diuretics, or water pills can also drop magnesium levels.

Book a Magnesium test to check your blood magnesium level!

Why book the Magnesium test?

The magnesium blood test is not included in the regular electrolyte panel. This means that there needs to be a specific reason for the test. Your doctor will order this test if they suspect your magnesium levels in the blood to be too low or high, looking at your symptoms.
Either extreme can result in health issues. This test might even be ordered for people with chronic low calcium and potassium levels. Magnesium plays a vital role in regulating potassium and calcium levels in the body. Therefore, your doctor will check magnesium levels if they are constantly low or high.
The magnesium blood test might also be essential if your healthcare provider believes you might have a malnutrition or malabsorption problem. You might have to undertake this test regularly if you are on certain medicines or suffer from kidney problems, chronic diarrhoea, or diabetes.

Our Trusted Lab Partners for Magnesium

MFine Diagnostics

Starting at

₹350

Wellness Pathcare

Starting at

₹350

Thyrocare

Starting at

₹350

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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for the Magnesium sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing masks and gloves and frequently sanitising themselves during sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result and the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my Magnesium test report?

Login to MFine.
Go to your profile.
Click on Attachment and Reports.
Click on Lab Report.
Download the report.

Are there any discount offers running on the Magnesium test?

Usually, you can avail yourself up to a 50% discount on Magnesium tests through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

Do I need to take magnesium supplements if I suffer from low magnesium levels in the blood? If yes, then how much?

People absorb and even use magnesium at varied rates and might even take drugs that can affect magnesium levels. Therefore, you need to have a word with a doctor about the right option considering your situation.

Why is my doctor checking my phosphorus and calcium along with magnesium levels?

Low magnesium levels can have an impact on the regulation of calcium levels. Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone ordinarily work in coordination, and phosphorus regulates calcium levels. Low magnesium levels can make low levels of calcium more resistant to changes.

What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?

The signs of magnesium deficiency include:

Twitching or muscle cramps
Weakness
Irregular heartbeat
Seizures

How can the magnesium levels become low?

The magnesium level can become low due to chronic health conditions such as osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart problems.

What are the different food sources of magnesium?

Some of the most important food sources of magnesium are nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables like spinach.

Is there anything else one must know about the Magnesium test?

There is nothing much you need to know about the magnesium blood test. It is just that your doctor might order a magnesium urine test along with a magnesium blood test for confirming results.

Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.