magnesium (mg/mag) (xylidyl blue) Test

The human body is easily comparable to a machine that rumbles on and on, day in and day out, every day to establish normalcy in our being. As it would be highly unlikely to keep tabs on the millions of reactions that occur inside us, it would be clever on one's part to say that we, at this very moment, act as a host for hundreds of thousands of biochemical reactions.

The minerals that are accountable for such reactions are numerous in number. For instance, magnesium, ( oxygen is the most abundant element in the human body) is one of the vital elements of the human body that is said to instigate more that 300 biochemical reactions. With illuminating researches being carried out in full throttle, the numbers are only going to surge.

Magnesium ions instigate metabolic, biochemical and multiple kinds of reactions by acting as enzyme cofactors. These ions give helping hand to enzymes, which are depended on molecules and ions like magnesium to find stability in order to catalyse biological reactions. Without cofactors like magnesium ions, enzymies, despite being alive, may not be active, slowing down the reactions. Magnesium normally exists in the bone and inside cells of body tissues and organs. It is an essential element in most processes in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeping bones strong, controls the heartbeat and helps regulate blood pressure. Magnesium also balances blood sugar levels and helps support the immune system.

In simplest of words, magnesium is an absolute necessity for us. Having said that, magnesium is not a mineral that should be taken like a dosage of the drug in times of need. It is more of an obligatory block for the body's wellbeing. Much similar to proteins, fats, and vitamins, the human body must maintain adequacy in this regard. A healthy diet, in certain conditions, proves sufficient to maintain an appropriate level of mercury in our body. Green vegetables like spinach; whole grains, and nuts are a rich source of Magnesium. On the other hand, high levels of magnesium and other heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic in the body has to be detoxified as they can have unfavourable effects on our immune system and other vital organs like brain, kidney, and lungs.

24 to 36 Hours

The test analyses and monitors levels of Magnesium present in the blood using the reagent xylidyl blue. Altered levels of magnesium are noted in diabetics, alcoholics, diuretics; patients observed with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, malabsorption, hyperalimentation, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, renal failure, Addison’s disease, and vitamin D intoxication. It helps in the diagnosis and treatment of the conditions above.

The deviation of the magnesium level in the body from the expected levels has multiple tell-tale signs to exhibit that can give stark notions as to why it's imperative to take up the magnesium test.

• Weakness:  The weakening of bones, can be due to multiple reasons like old age or deficiency of vitamins like K and D, can be related to deficiency of magnesium. Or as an indirect effect, magnesium-deficiency can, in turn, result in insufficiency of calcium level, which is crucial for bone health. Similarly, muscle weakness is also an outcome of a magnesium deficit. 
• Irritability
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea due to excess or shortage of magnesium
• Abnormal calcium or potassium levels
• Loss of appetite
• Numbness or tingling sensation 
• Fatigue: Despite being considered as perfectly normal, fatigue is not to be overlooked. Fatigue, when shows up along with other alarming symptoms from time to time, one must wisely consider assistance from a doctor.
• Confusion: mental dysfunctions are, perhaps, the hideous of all the implications deficiency of magnesium can have on our system. if the level does not meet the required standards, lack of emotions (apathy), mental numbness can be the possible consequence. Even worse, the deprivation can result in coma or, as recent research says, one can be easily prone to depression.
• Seizures: Constant twitching of muscles, occasional muscle cramps and involuntary trembling of the same, are one of the significant symptoms of deficiency of magnesium in the body. Even though twitching can have other reasons, like high caffeine intake, the regularity in which they incur is not to be ignored. Seek help from your doctor if the erratic shakiness sticks with you for a considerable period of time.
• Abnormal heart rate: Inconsistent heartbeats, also known as heart arrhythmia, is one of the most common and serious symptoms of lack of magnesium ions in the body. Sometimes, as a worst-case scenario, short pauses between successive heartbeats can also be noticed.

Preparatory instructions before the test *:

• Fasting Required.
• Fasting samples have to be collected after a minimum 8-hour overnight fasting status.
• Clear fluids like water are allowed during this period. Refrain from consumption of early morning beverages like tea, coffee, and milk until specimen collection is completed. In case of diabetics on oral or injectable hypoglycemic agents, consult your physician about continuing with these medications before specimen collection.

Specimen type: Serum (Blood Sample),

Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture (Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)