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A serum magnesium test is done in order to determine the levels of magnesium in your blood. Blood needs to be drawn from the veins in this test. The vein needs to be the one that is at the back of your hand or inside your elbow. The site is first cleansed thoroughly by means of an antiseptic solution. The upper arm is then tied tight using an elastic band. This applies pressure to the vein area. Once this is done, the vein swells up with blood and a needle is then inserted gently into the vein.

Blood is collected in a tightly sealed container (air-tight) that is fixed to the needle. Later, the elastic band is taken off and the area is covered with a tape to stop the bleeding. The only time you may feel pain is at the time the needle punctures the vein. Otherwise, the procedure is quite painless.

Reasons

A serum magnesium test is administered when there are unusual amounts of magnesium in your blood. The body’s magnesium content lies half in the bones; the other half lies inside the cells of the body’s organs and tissues. Magnesium is essential for almost all the biochemical processes of a body. Normal muscle and nerve functionality is maintained by the magnesium in the body. It helps in keeping the bones strong. Moreover, it controls your heart beat and also regulates your blood pressure.

Magnesium controls the sugar levels in your blood and also helps in supporting your body’s immune system.

Risks

Every test has its own pros and cons. Here are some risks associated with the serum magnesium test:

• Excessive bleeding

• A light-headed feeling
• Blood accumulation under the skin
• Infection
• Multiple punctures to locate the vein

Abnormal Magnesium Levels

Magnesium levels need to be in the right proportion in your body. There are some conditions that can lead to high and low magnesium levels in your body, these are listed below.

Magnesium levels can be high if you are suffering from:

• Dehydration

• Renal failure (chronic)
• Diabetic acidosis
• Oliguria
• Addison’s disease

Magnesium levels can drop if you:

• Consume alcohol

• Take too much insulin
• Are experiencing chronic diarrhea
• Suffer from hyperthyroidism
• Suffer from Hepatic cirrhosis (liver)
• Toxemia of pregnancy
• Suffer from Ulcerative colitis
• Suffer from Hyperaldosteronism
• Suffer from Hemodialysis
• Suffer from Delirium tremens

Any fluctuation in magnesium levels can affect the normal functionality of your body. This is the main reason why it is so necessary to maintain proper magnesium levels in the body. Consult your doctor if you need to clarify doubts regarding the test.