Atomic Number:	12
Atomic Symbol:	Mg
Atomic Weight:	24.305
Electron Configuration:	[Ne]3s2

Magnesium is an essential element that serves as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions. It also serves as a secondary agent in the development of transmembrane potentials.Magnesium is predominantly an intracellular cation, and while serum concentrations may be low, measurements may not reflect intracellular concentrations. Red cells contain about three times the magnesium found in plasma, with the magnesium free within the interior of the cell. (Mg is not bound to the cell membrane like Ca). Measurement of magnesium is useful for identification of malabsorptive disorders, pancretitis, abnormalities associated with renal clearance, drug therapy, antacid abuse, and for monitoring treatment of toxemia of pregnancy. Low magnesium in hair are due to long term insufficient dietary intake, malabsorption syndromes or chronic magnesium loss.

Sample Requirements (click on a Sample Type)
 

Erythrocytes

Urine

Hair

Reference range

Analyte Magnesium
Erythrocytes	Random Urine	24 Hour Urine	Hair
1.57 - 2.73 mmol/L	15 -120 mg/L  0.8 - 4.3 mmol/L 81.7 - 654.0 mmol/mol creatinine	1.00 - 7.00 mmol/d	0.82 - 4.11 umol/g

 

Method of Analysis:  High Resolution ICP/MS

Test available:  Monday - Friday 0800 - 1600 h
Turnaround Time:  Average 5-10 days
Maximum 10 days

Notes: Index of magnesium homeostasis at the cellular level.  Monitored in TPN patients.  Low levels found in cases of hypertension, premenstrual syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

March 27, 2008