A magnesium blood test is used to evaluate how much magnesium is in the blood. The electrolyte group includes magnesium. Minerals known as electrolytes have an electrical charge and perform a key role in a number of vital bodily processes and operations.
Magnesium is required by the body to help the muscles, nerves, and heart function properly. Magnesium also helps in the regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Most magnesium in the body is found in the bones and cells. However, a small amount is present in the blood. Magnesium levels in the blood that are either too low or too high can indicate a major health issue.
Other names: Mag, Mg, Magnesium-Serum
What is a magnesium blood test used for?
A magnesium blood test determines the amount of magnesium in the blood. Hypomagnesemia, or magnesium deficiency, refers to low magnesium levels. This is more common than excessively high levels, which are referred to as hypermagnesemia. A magnesium blood test is sometimes combined with electrolyte testing for calcium, sodium, chloride, and potassium.
What is the need of a magnesium blood test?
If you have symptoms of low or high magnesium levels, the doctor may recommend a magnesium blood test. Low magnesium symptoms include:
Symptoms of high magnesium include:
If women are pregnant, individuals may also require this test. Preeclampsia, a hazardous kind of high blood pressure that affects pregnant women, can be caused by a magnesium deficit.
Moreover, the doctor may prescribe this test if you have a medical condition that can lead to magnesium insufficiency. Malnutrition, alcoholism, and diabetes are examples.
If women are pregnant, individuals may also require this test. Preeclampsia, a hazardous kind of high blood pressure that affects pregnant women, can be caused by a magnesium deficit. Moreover, the doctor may prescribe this test if you have a medical condition that can lead to magnesium insufficiency. Malnutrition, alcoholism, and diabetes are examples.
What happens during a magnesium blood test?
A health practitioner may use a tiny needle to take blood from a vein in the arm. After the insertion of the needle, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. When the needle goes in or out, individuals may experience a slight sting. This normally takes under five minutes.
How to prepare for the test?
Certain medications can have an impact on magnesium levels. Inform the doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medications individuals are using. If patients need to stop taking them for a few days prior to the test, the doctor will let you know. One should also cease taking magnesium supplements before the exam.
Are there any risks to the test? ?
A blood test poses relatively little danger. Some may experience mild pain or bruises where the needle was put, but most of the symptoms will go away quickly.
What do the results mean?
If the results suggest that individuals are magnesium deficient, this could be an indication of:
- Malnutrition
- Chronic diarrhea
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism
- Preeclampsia (if you are pregnant)
- Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
If your results suggest that you have more magnesium than usual, this could be an indication of:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication of diabetes
- An adrenal gland condition called Addison disease
- Dehydration is the result of excessive body fluid loss.
- overuse of magnesium-containing antacids or laxatives
If the results show that you are magnesium deficient, the doctor will most likely advise you to take magnesium supplements to increase the levels of the mineral. If the results suggest that you have an excess of magnesium, the doctor may recommend IV treatments (medication supplied straight to the veins) to eliminate it.
If you have any concerns about your results, talk to the doctor.
Is there anything more I should know about magnesium blood tests?
In addition to a magnesium blood test, the doctor may prescribe magnesium in a urine test.
