MAGNESIUM

Clinical Significance

Magnesium - Magnesium measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of hypomagnesemia (abnormally low plasma levels of magnesium) and hypermagnesemia (abnormally high plasma levels of magnesium). Magnesium is decreased in chronic nephritis, acute pancreatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. It is increased in acute or chronic renal failure and Addison's Disease.

Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL serum

Alternative Specimen(s)
Sodium heparin (green-top) tube • Lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Minimum Volume
0.5 mL

Transport Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST®)

Transport Temperature
Room temperature

Specimen Stability
Serum and plasma
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria
Gross hemolysis • Anticoagulants other than heparin

Setup Schedule