MAGNESIUM, SERUM

Test Code

CPT Codes
83735

Preferred Specimen

1 Gold tube (gel separator)

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

or 1 Green tube (Lithium Heparin)

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of serum and red cells.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

2-8°C up to 7 days; no additional storage types

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolyzed samples

Methodology

Xylidyl Blue

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun

Reference Range

1.6 – 2.6 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

Magnesium serves as an activator for a number of enzyme systems engaged in the transfer and hydrolysis of phosphate groups such as hexokinase, alkaline phosphatase, prostatic acid phosphatase, and creatinine kinase.

Decreased serum magnesium levels have been observed in cases of diabetes, alcoholism, diuresis, hyperthyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, malabsorption, hyperalimentation, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and liver cirrhosis.

Increased serum magnesium levels have been found in cases of renal failure, dehydration, severe diabetic acidosis, and Addison’ s Disease.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NCHB1 (Chemistry, Beckman AU)

Last Updated: April 25, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.