Magnesium
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
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.
- Magnesium
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
This test measures magnesium levels in the blood to help diagnose and treat conditions related to abnormal magnesium levels, such as too low (hypomagnesemia) or too high (hypermagnesemia). Low magnesium can occur with chronic kidney issues, inflammation of the pancreas, and liver damage due to alcohol. High magnesium levels might be seen in kidney failure or Addison's Disease, where the adrenal glands don't produce enough of certain hormones.
- Muscle cramps or twitches
- Mental disorders
- Irregular heartbeat
- Feeling tired
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Urine retention
- Difficulty breathing
What type of sample is required for this test?
A simple blood draw is needed.
3–5 business days
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 7 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 28 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Gross hemolysis • Anticoagulants other than heparin
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
