Magnesium, RBC

Test Code

623

CPT Codes
83735

Preferred Specimen

0.5 mL packed red blood cells collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube, or sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube

Patient Preparation

Patient should refrain from taking vitamins, or mineral herbal supplements for at least one week before sample collection

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL packed RBC's • 0.5 mL whole blood

Other Acceptable Specimens

1 mL whole blood collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube, or EDTA (royal blue-top) tube, or sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube

Instructions

Packed RBC's: Centrifuge specimen and discard plasma within two hours of collection. Transfer RBC's to a plastic transfer vial.

Whole blood: Do not centrifuge whole blood.

Transport Container

Plastic transfer vial

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Packed RBC cells
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Whole blood
Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology
Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 4 days

Reference Range

4.0-6.4 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

Magnesium is an essential trace element. Deficiency leads to irritability, neuromuscular abnormalities, cardiac and renal damage. Its salts are used as antacids and cathartics. Excessive amount may cause CNS depression, loss of muscle tone, respiratory and cardiac arrest.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153

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.