Magnesium
CPT Code(s):
83735
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Magnesium holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in evaluating the levels of magnesium in a patient's blood. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the body.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Magnesium include:
1. Assessment of Magnesium Status: Magnesium helps determine the patient's magnesium levels, providing information about their magnesium status. Abnormal magnesium levels can indicate deficiencies or excesses, which may be associated with certain medical conditions or medications.
2. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Magnesium Disorders: Magnesium imbalances can have significant clinical implications. Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) or high magnesium levels (hypermagnesemia) can be indicative of underlying health conditions. Magnesium aids in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of these disorders, allowing healthcare providers to intervene appropriately.
3. Evaluation of Kidney Function: The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining magnesium balance in the body. Magnesium is often used as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel or renal function panel to assess kidney function. Abnormal magnesium levels, especially when coupled with other electrolyte imbalances, may indicate impaired renal function.
4. Assessment of Nutritional Status: Magnesium is obtained through dietary sources, and deficiencies can occur in individuals with inadequate magnesium intake or malabsorption conditions. Magnesium helps evaluate nutritional status and guides dietary recommendations or supplementation when necessary.
5. Monitoring Magnesium Therapy: In patients receiving magnesium supplementation or undergoing magnesium therapy for specific medical conditions, regular monitoring of magnesium levels is essential. Magnesium allows healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness and adequacy of magnesium supplementation and adjust dosage as needed.
Interpretation of Magnesium results involves considering the patient's clinical context, medical history, and other relevant laboratory findings. It is important to note that magnesium levels can vary throughout the day and may be influenced by factors such as diet, medications, and certain medical conditions. Therefore, serial measurements and correlation with clinical symptoms are often necessary for an accurate assessment.
In summary, Magnesium is specifically used for assessing magnesium status, diagnosing and monitoring magnesium disorders, evaluating kidney function, assessing nutritional status, and monitoring magnesium therapy. It provides valuable information about magnesium levels, aiding healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing various medical conditions related to magnesium imbalances. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is crucial to interpret the test results accurately and implement appropriate treatment plans.