Sign in →

Test Code MGOB OB MAGNESIUM LAB3098

Important Note

This is only for OB patients.

Performing Laboratory

UnityPoint The Finley Hospital

Test Method

Colorimetric; Roche cobas Pro

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Specimen Requirement

  1. Lithium heparin plasma (green) is the specimen of choice. 0.5mL
  2. Serum (red/gold) is also an acceptable sample type.
  3. Gel tubes are acceptable. 
  4. It is recommended that the serum be separated from contact with cells within 2 hours from time of collection.
  5. Magnesium specimens are stable for 7 days at 15-25°C, 2 days at 2-8°C, and 1 year at -20°C.

Useful For

Monitoring magnesium in pregnant patients who are receiving magnesium therapy is important to ensure the patient is in a therapeutic range. Magnesium is used for maternal hypertension, neuroprotection for the fetus, and to stop preterm labor.

Reference Values

Therapeutic Range: 5.0-9.0 mg/dL

Critical values: less than (<) 1.0 mg/dL or greater than (>) 9.0 mg/dL

CPT Code Information

83735 Chemistry: Magnesium

LOINC Code Information

19123-9 Magnesium [Mass/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma