Magnesium, Serum LabCorp

Magnesium is a mineral which plays a role in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contractions. This test is part of both the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) and Electrolyte Panel. This test is used in the evaluation of magnesium deficiency, which can produce neuromuscular disorders and may cause weakness, tremors, tetany, and convulsions. Elevated magnesium levels relate mostly to patients in renal failure. Marked increases may be found in such patients who take magnesium salts (i.e. antacids which contain magnesium).