Test Code 293 Magnesium
Additional Codes
ALAB: MG
PowerChart: Magnesium Level
MA Cerner: Magnesium Level.
Specimen Requirement
0.5 mL serum or plasma is required.
Additional Specimen Collection Information
Collect blood in a lithium heparin, green-top or red-top tube. PST and SST (gel tubes) are acceptable. Serum or plasma should be separated from contact with the cells within 2 hours of collection. Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be rejected. Refrigerate the specimen if unable to assay within 8 hours of collection. Hemolyzed specimens are not acceptable. Samples with >2+ lipemia must be cleared prior to analysis.
Useful For
Monitoring preeclampsia patients being treated with magnesium sulfate, although in most cases monitoring clinical signs (respiratory rate and deep tendon reflexes) is adequate and blood magnesium levels are not required.
Performance
Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.
Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.
Expedite: Typically completed within 1 hour after the specimen arrives at the testing site.
STAT: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.
CPT Code Information
83735 Chemistry: Magnesium
LOINC Code Information
19123-9 Magnesium [Mass/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma
Test Method
MercyOne: Timed Endpoint Method; Beckman DXC880i
MA: Enzymatic Colorimetric Method; Roche Cobas 6000
Reference Values
1.6-3.0 mg/dL
- Critical Value:
- Low: < 1.0 mg/dL
- High: > 4.0 mg/dL