Magnesium Test

There are about 300 + biochemical reaction in a human body where magnesium plays a vital role. Be it the regular nerve function or muscle function, heartbeats or immunity system; magnesium plays an integral part. Magnesium testing is prescribed by the doctors when there is a low blood level of calcium and potassium in the patient's body. Many patients complaining of muscle weakness, cramping, cardiac arrhythmias, magnesium testing for them becomes imperative. Through magnesium testing, the levels of magnesium, in the blood or urine are measured.

It is a simple test comprising of blood or urine test. It depends upon the doctor the choice of test he prefers depending upon the condition of the patient. It is safe and an uncomplicated test. However, it is always better to let the doctor know the kind of medications the patient is taking. For urine sampling, water intake should be more.

Magnesium testing aids in the following uses- Diagnoses of gastrointestinal disorders. To assess uncontrolled diabetes To check the magnesium level of patients who take water pills that make the nutrients sway away through urine, thus causing the kidney to excrete magnesium. To evaluate kidney problems

A blood sample is taken by a phlebotomist. Through venipuncture the blood is collected in the tube. The upper arm of the body is belt tight so that the vein may be readily visible to insert the needle and collect blood. A new needle is used for every blood collection, and the wrapper of the needles should be torn in front of the patient. The blood is collected in a tube with a pre-labelled name of the patient. The doctor may ask for a timed urine sample like a 24-hour collection.

For timed urine sample of short duration, like 2 hours, the Urine sample is collected by the patient. The urine sample container is pre-labelled with the patient's name. The sample urine may then be submitted to the clinic's pathology lab. For 12 hours or 24 hours timed urine sample, is done by the patient at his home. The sample urine container is given to the patient to be carried at home. The beginning time of the urine collection must be noted and brought to the lab. Exactly after the end period, the second specimen may be done by collecting the urine, and the same may be delivered to the lab for examination.