Why is this procedure done?
Magnesium is an electrolyte. You get magnesium from the foods you eat. It helps keep normal activity in your nerve and muscle cells. It is important to your heart and bones. This test is done to check how much magnesium is in your blood. ‚
The doctor may order a magnesium test to: ‚
- Check for an electrolyte imbalance
- Find out more about diseases like kidney problems, seizures, alcoholism, or problems with your bowels
- See if the drugs you are taking are affecting the magnesium level in your blood
- Go along with other electrolyte tests like calcium, phosphate, and potassium
- Go along with your routine physical
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness. Low levels of magnesium are more common than high ones. Low levels can be caused by bowel or kidney problems, drugs, or drinking too much alcohol. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Water pills, antacids, and laxatives may affect your magnesium level.
- Any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your magnesium levels. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/magnesium/tab/test ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_magnesium.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚