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Magnesium Test

Dr. Nikit MahaleLast Updated on 17th February 2022

The requirement of magnesium for our body is indispensable. Magnesium is a mineral and an electrolyte, which ensures the smooth functioning of numerous chemical processes in our body. It helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function and keeps our bones strong. Magnesium also aids in normal heart function to maintain normal heart rhythm and supports our immune system. Not only this, but it also helps to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels and facilitates energy production by metabolism. Maximum magnesium is found in your cells and bones, but some quantity is in your blood too. A magnesium test or total serum magnesium test is an excellent diagnostic tool used to assess the magnesium level in your blood. Knowing it is important because too high or too low levels can result in serious health problems.

What is a Magnesium Test used for?What is included in a Magnesium Test?Procedure for a Magnesium Test How to prepare for a Magnesium Test?What conditions can a Magnesium test detect?How much does a Magnesium Test cost?What do abnormal Magnesium Test results indicate?Is the Magnesium Test a definitive test?What can affect the results of a Magnesium Test?Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a Magnesium Test used for?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you show symptoms of magnesium overdose/poisoning (hypermagnesemia), which are:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Slow heart rate
Low blood pressure
Extreme fatigue, muscle fatigue
Body ache
Difficulty in breathing

If not treated timely, it can lead to abnormal heart rhythm, resulting in cardiac arrest or death. Additionally, your healthcare provider may order this test periodically if you have a kidney disorder (kidney failure), hypothyroidism, disease of adrenal glands, depression or if you are on certain antipsychotic medications like lithium therapy. It helps to monitor if you are retaining or excreting excessive quantities of magnesium.

Another purpose of this test is to check if you suffer from hypomagnesemia or magnesium deficiency.

In this, you may experience symptoms such as

Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Nausea
Fatigue
Personality changes
Palpitation

If the deficiency continues, you may suffer from seizures, irregular heart rhythms, muscle cramps, and numbness. Other problems for which doctors use this test are:

Chronic low calcium and potassium levels
Malnutrition or malabsorption problems

Kidney problems, diabetes, or chronic diarrhoea

What is included in a Magnesium Test?

Magnesium has a close association with the calcium content in your body. Also, other elements like phosphate and potassium may influence the test results. Hence, your doctor may also advise calcium and electrolyte tests, along with the magnesium test.

Procedure for a Magnesium Test

A magnesium test takes only a few minutes, and the procedure involves the following steps:

In the first step, the site from where the blood sample is collected is cleaned using an antiseptic solution
Then, a plastic band is tied and tightened so that the veins are visible clearly
After locating the vein, the lab technician inserts the needle and withdraws the blood. You may feel a quick sting.
This blood sample is stored in a test tube and sent to the laboratory for further evaluation
Laboratory experts use advanced examination techniques to analyze the blood sample and prepare the report

Book a magnesium test to check your magnesium level!

How to prepare for a Magnesium Test?

Before a magnesium test:

You may not require fasting for magnesium tests unless your doctor has also scheduled other tests that need fasting.
Inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements that you take regularly. Your doctor may recommend stopping the intake of these medications.
Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
Make sure that you wear loose and comfortable clothing with sleeves, which you can roll up quickly, or preferably wear a half sleeve.
If you are tense about the test, try listening to your favourite music, or you can do some breathing exercises.

Things to consider after a Magnesium Test is complete

After the test is completed, the technician removes the needle and the elastic band. The site is then covered with a bandage or cotton to stop the bleeding. You may feel the pain that usually subsides in a few days. There are no restrictions after the test. You can resume your routine activities.

After your reports are ready, you must meet the doctor to discuss the results. If your results show you have a magnesium deficiency, your doctor may prescribe you magnesium supplements to increase the level.

In case of elevated magnesium levels, you will be treated at the hospital with appropriate medications depending on the severity of cardiac or respiratory effects.

*What conditions can a Magnesium test detect?

A magnesium test can help detect too low or too high magnesium levels in your blood. Either of these situations can lead to serious health complications. If your physician suspects magnesium poisoning or deficiency in you based on your symptoms, this test can effectively detect it.

How much does a Magnesium Test cost?*

The cost of the magnesium test may differ from city to city. However, the price range is between ₹60 and ₹1800.

You can find the cost of this test in your city from the table given below:

City Name	Starting Price
Book a Magnesium Test in Navi Mumbai	₹ 395
Book a Magnesium Test in Thane	₹ 422
Book a Magnesium Test in Gurgaon	₹ 354
Book a Magnesium Test in Delhi	₹350
Book a Magnesium Test in Mumbai	₹ 391
Book a Magnesium Test in Chennai	₹ 332
Book a Magnesium Test in Kolkata	₹ 469
Book a Magnesium Test in Noida	₹ 399
Book a Magnesium Test in Pune	₹ 442

*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 of magnesium in the blood is 1.7 to 2.2 milligrams per deciliter. If your reports show magnesium deficiency in your blood, it may be because

You are not getting sufficient magnesium from your diet
Your kidneys are expelling too much magnesium
Your intestines are unable to absorb enough magnesium
Excessive alcoholism
High calcium levels
Malnutrition
Impaired liver function
Chronic diarrhoea
Preeclampsia (if you are pregnant)
Digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
Uncontrolled diabetes
Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas

Magnesium levels higher than the normal range can mean:

Kidney disease or renal failure
Addison disease, is a condition of the adrenal glands
Dehydration
Problems in your adrenal glands
Overuse of laxatives, supplements, or antacids containing magnesium
Diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous complication related to diabetes

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.

Is the Magnesium Test a definitive test?

As mentioned earlier, magnesium is present in our cells, bones, and tissues. In order to ascertain the root cause of abnormal magnesium levels, doctors may recommend other tests such as

The urine magnesium test
RBC magnesium test
Ionized magnesium test

How to read the Magnesium Test report?

The magnesium normal range is: 0.85 to 1.10 mmol/L (1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL approx.). The age-wise range is as follows:

Below 0.85 mmol/L (Less than 1.7 mg/dL approx.) is considered hypomagnesemia (deficiency of magnesium)
Hypermagnesemia (magnesium deficiency) is when your magnesium level is above 1.10 mmol/L (Above 2.2 mg/dL approx.)

Sometimes the reference values may vary depending on your body type, overall health condition, age, gender, and the laboratory where the test is performed.

Remember that your doctor is the best person who can explain the results accurately. So, a visit to the doctor is highly advisable once you receive your test reports.

Book a magnesium test to check your magnesium level!

Why book a Magnesium Test?

To detect if your magnesium level is too high or too low
As a part of your routine health check-up if you observe a constant drop in your potassium and calcium levels
To find the reason behind nerve and muscle problems
To assess your risk of developing a magnesium deficiency
During pregnancy, magnesium deficiency can be a sign of preeclampsia. It is a serious condition where high blood pressure affects pregnant women
To keep a check on your health if you have a kidney problem, diabetes, or chronic diarrhoea
To monitor your magnesium levels after getting treatment

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 gently cleans the area around your vein and then uses a syringe to collect the required amount of blood. The blood sample is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the spot.

Are there any risks involved with a Magnesium Test?

In most cases, the magnesium test has a safe outcome. However, although uncommon, a blood test can be more difficult for some than others resulting in

Continued bleeding after the test
Need to make more than one puncture to locate a vein
A bruise at the needle insertion spot
Fainting or dizziness
Infection
Swollen vein
Inflammation

If you feel anxious, talk to your doctor about it.

What can affect the results of a Magnesium Test?

It is necessary to know the correct results because, without them, your doctor may not be able to prescribe the appropriate course of treatment for your symptoms.

There are certain factors, which can interfere with the magnesium test results. Those are:

Medications like laxatives, antacids, antibiotics, digoxin, thyroid medications, insulin, diuretics, cyclosporine, phenytoin
Usage of Epsom salts may also impact your magnesium levels
Also, if you are pregnant, the magnesium levels might be naturally low in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy
Another reason can be if you have had surgery recently, your body might have low magnesium levels

Book a magnesium test to check your magnesium level!

Our Trusted Lab Partners for Magnesium Test

MFine Diagnostics

Starting at

₹350

Wellness Pathcare

Starting at

₹350

Thyrocare

Starting at

₹350

For further assistance

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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for magnesium test sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.

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

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result with 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 magnesium tests?

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

Can I take magnesium during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yes. The intake of magnesium is highly essential during pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in maintaining all the systems of your and your baby’s body. The deficiency of magnesium during this phase can cause impaired placental development, impaired fetal growth, preterm labour or chronic hypertension. Further, magnesium during breastfeeding is essential as you pass all the nutrients to your child through breast milk. Magnesium also improves your sleep, digestion and eases constipation. Discuss with your doctor to know more about the benefits.

Is it safe to take magnesium supplements on my own?

The body’s capacity to absorb magnesium differs from person to person and the outcome too. So, be sure to take any such supplements under the supervision of a doctor to prevent any complications.

Are there any ways to treat magnesium deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency can be treated with oral supplements or increased intake of dietary magnesium. You can increase the intake of magnesium-rich foods like spinach, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, almonds, avocado, banana, etc.

Can I get headaches due to magnesium deficiency?

It is possible to have headaches or migraines as a result of low levels of this mineral. It is because this mineral plays a vital role in maintaining nerve function.

How long does it take to cure magnesium deficiency?

If you are suffering from magnesium deficiency, your doctor may advise you on specific treatment methods. As soon as you start the remedial steps, magnesium levels start increasing. Generally, it takes a few weeks. But the outcome depends on your level of deficiency and how well your body responds to the treatment.

Is there any chance that my magnesium test can give false results?

Several factors influence magnesium levels. For instance, delay in processing blood samples or hemolysis of blood samples collected can lead to falsely elevated magnesium levels. Certain drugs like calcium supplements, laxatives, antacids, diuretics, thyroid medications can increase magnesium levels, whereas insulin and antivirals like foscarnet can lead to low magnesium levels.