Magnesium
What is being tested?
This test measures the amount of magnesium in your blood. Normally, only a very small amount (about 1%) of the total magnesium found in the body is present in the blood.
Magnesium is a mineral that is found in every cell of your body. It is vital to energy production, muscle contraction, nerve function, and maintenance of strong bones. About half of the body’s magnesium is combined with calcium and phosphorus to form bone.
A wide variety of foods contain small amounts of magnesium, especially green vegetables such as spinach, and most magnesium in the body comes from dietary sources. The body maintains magnesium levels in the blood, cells, and bone by regulating how much is absorbed from the intestines and how much it excretes in the urine via the kidneys.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.