Magnesium (serum)

 

Alternative names, keywords

Mg

Samples required

● Clotted blood (gold cap, 5 mL tube). Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

Avoid haemolysis.

Test indications

  

Factors affecting test performance/ results

Haemolysed samples are unsuitable. Haemolysis elevates results depending on the content of magnesium in the lysed erythrocytes.

In very rare cases, gammopathy, in particular type IgM (Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results.

Results should always be assessed in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, clinical examination and other findings.

Reference range

Newborn

 0.62 - 0.91 mmol/L

5 months - 6 years

 0.70 - 0.95 mmol/L

6 - 12 years

 0.70 - 0.86 mmol/L

12 - 20 years

 0.70 - 0.91 mmol/L

21 - 59 years

 0.66 - 1.07 mmol/L

60 - 90 years

 0.66 - 0.99 mmol/L

> 90 years

 0.70 - 0.95 mmol/L

Source: Roche Cobas® Magnesium Gen.2 kit insert, 2025-01, V18.0

Turnaround time

Same day (within 1h if urgent)

Enquiries

Biochemistry (Automation)

 

Details