What is the need for a study?

The test is used to determine the magnesium level in the blood, to assess the severity of kidney disease or uncontrolled diabetes, to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders, and to evaluate the causes of changes in calcium, potassium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Magnesium testing can be used to monitor treatment with oral or intravenous magnesium preparations, and, together with calcium and phosphate testing, can be used to monitor calcium supplementation.

When should I be tested?

A magnesium test (Magnis) is recommended:
1. if low concentrations of calcium and potassium have been detected;
2. experiencing symptoms of low magnesium such as muscle weakness, cramps, numbness, heart rhythm problems and seizures;
3. suspected gastrointestinal disorders, malnutrition, diarrhoea;
4. alcohol abuse;
5. if you are taking medicines that may increase the excretion of magnesium by the kidneys;
6. regularly when taking calcium or magnesium supplements for treatment;
7. for people with kidney disease or uncontrolled diabetes, to assess kidney function to make sure that magnesium excretion or retention is not excessive.

What sample (Magnesium) is needed for the test?

Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.

How to prepare for the survey?

There is no special preparation.

What do my results mean?

Low levels of magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesaemia) reflect:
1. magnesium deficiency in the diet;
2. problems with magnesium absorption in the digestive tract;
3. excessive excretion of magnesium by the kidneys.
Magnesium deficiency develops:
1. when magnesium intake is insufficient (elderly, malnourished, alcoholics);
2. gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease);
3. uncontrolled diabetes;
4. hypoparathyroidism;
5. prolonged use of diuretics;
6. diarrhoea;
7. after surgery;
8. severe burns;
9. poisoning during pregnancy.
Elevated blood magnesium levels are rarely caused by dietary overdose, but more often by problems with the excretion of magnesium by the kidneys or by excessive supplementation. Elevated magnesium levels are caused by:
1. in kidney failure;
2. hyperparathyroidism;
3. in hypothyroidism;
4. fluid loss;
5. in cases of diabetic acidosis;
6. in Addison’s disease;
7. taking too many magnesium-containing antacids or laxatives.

Related studies

Potassium, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), TTH

Related conditions/diseases.

Gastrointestinal diseases, Crohn’s disease, kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, Addison’s disease, diabetes, heart rhythm disorders.

You can consult our family doctors.

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