Lab Code : MG
Test Background Hypomagnesaemia (often associated with hypokalaemia and/or hypocalcaemia) may reflect inadequate dietary intake (eg. malnutrition, alcoholism, etc.), inadequate absorption by the GI tract (eg. Crohn’s, diarrhoea) or excessive renal excretion (eg. secondary to diabetes mellitus, long-term use of diuretics). In contrast, increased serum magnesium typically reflects kidney failure, hyperparathyroidism, Addison’s disease or is due to the administration of magnesium-containing compounds, eg. laxatives, antacids and magnesium sulphate (used in the prophylaxis of eclampsia).
Clinical Indications Investigation of hypocalcaemia and/or hypokalaemia Monitoring/diagnosis of electrolyte and acid/base disturbance Hyperparathyroidism Monitoring of pre-eclampsia
Reference Range Over 1 month old 0.7-1.0 mmol/L
Less than 1 month 0.6-1.0 mmol/L
Sample Required SST (gold top) or Red top
Sample Volume 0.5 mL
Turnaround Time 1 day