Magnesium, RBC
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Whole blood
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
This test measures magnesium levels in red blood cells, helping to identify magnesium deficiency, which can lead to irritability, muscle and nerve issues, as well as heart and kidney damage.
- Magnesium (RBC)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Details
Magnesium, RBC - Magnesium is a crucial trace element in our body. This test measures magnesium levels in red blood cells, helping to identify magnesium deficiency, which can lead to irritability, muscle and nerve issues, as well as heart and kidney damage. On the flip side, too much magnesium can depress the central nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, and in severe cases, respiratory and cardiac arrest.
What patients is this test right for?
This test is important for individuals showing symptoms of magnesium imbalance.
Low Magnesium Symptoms:
- Irritability
- Neuromuscular abnormalities (e.g., cramps, tremors)
- Heart rhythm changes
- Kidney issues
High Magnesium Symptoms:
- Central Nervous System depression
- Loss of muscle tone
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart issues
What type of sample is required for this test?
0.5 mL packed RBC cells. This can be collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or a sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube.
3–5 business days
4.0-6.4 mg/dL
Patient should refrain from taking vitamins, or mineral herbal supplements for at least one week before sample collection.
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
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 0.5 mL packed RBC cells collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Trace-element and metal-free transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (Cold Packs)
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 7 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Received frozen
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
