Fasting Required: No Specimen: Blood Patient Preparation: Patient should refrain from taking vitamins, or mineral herbal supplements for at least one week before sample collection. Results: 3-5 Business Days Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance. Methodology Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) Reference Range(s) 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. Description: This mineral is particularly important to nerves and muscles. Low magnesium is found in malnutrition, alcoholism, diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, and more. High magnesium is seen in kidney failure.