Skip to content

Laboratory Medicine

Test Directory / Urine Magnesium

Urine Magnesium

Acidified 24 hour urine container

TestUrine Magnesium
Common AbbreviationsUMAG
ProfileNA
Tube typeAcidified 24 hour urine container
Clinical IndicationMeasurement can be useful in the diagnosis and investigation of magnesium deficiency. Low urine magnesium levels may result from decreased renal excretion e.g. dehydration or reduced magnesium intake e.g. malnutrition/ malabsorption. Increased urine magnesium may be seen in hyperaldosteronis, drug therapy (e.g. cisplatin), osmotic diuresis and chronic glomerulonephritis. The detection of significant urine magnesium in the presence of a low serum magnesium suggests renal loss as the cause of hypomagnesaaemia.
Specimen TypeUrine
Sample typeAcidified 24 hour urine
Minimum VolumeNA
Special PrecautionsNo special requirements
StabilityAcidified urine: 3 days at 4-8°C and 1 year at -20°C
Turnaround TimeInpatient: 6 hours Outpatient/ GP: 24 hours
LaboratoryYork and Scarborough
Reference Interval2.4 - 6.5 mmol/24hours (Recommended by the Pathology Harmonisation Reference Group)
LimitationsUrine studies show less than 10% interference for up to 10 mmol/L of urine calcium
Notes
Two female receptionists on the phone at a desk smiling

Feedback

Chinese Poland

View all languages >

Update for visitors

Visiting restrictions are in place at our hospitals to stop the spread of norovirus. These restrictions will be in place until further notice.

The following wards are closed to visitors:

There are four exceptions only to the restrictions. These are:

We understand these restrictions can be difficult when a loved one is unwell. The restrictions will be reviewed daily and lifted as soon as it is safe. Thank you for your understanding as we try to reduce the spread of norovirus in our hospitals.