Idexx VetTest, Operator'S Manual

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Chemistry Description and Guide
Magnesium/Mg 2+
Magnesium plays an important intracellular role in the activation of enzymes, including
those responsible for many anabolic and catabolic processes. It is also involved in the
formation and destruction acetylcholine, which governs the transmission of electrical
impulses at the neuromuscular junction. The adrenal, thyroid, and parathyroid glands
appear to regulate serum magnesium concentration.
Principal reason for performing the test:
The importance of measuring serum magnesium concentration in dogs and cats has
not been fully investigated. However, there have been reports of hypomagnesemia in
dogs following the removal of the parathyroid gland.
Most common abnormality indicated by the test:
Hypomagnesemia following parathyroid gland removal.
Special precautions in sample collection:
Blood samples should be centrifuged immediately after collection as magnesium is
released from hemolyzed erythrocytes and can give erroneously high magnesium
concentrations. Do not use oxalate/citrate or EDTA as anticoagulants. Blood collection
tubes preserved with sodium fluoride cause lower results. Remove plasma or serum
promptly from the clot or cells.
Limitations of procedure:
Very high calcium levels can slightly elevate normal magnesium results. Abnormally
high phosphorus levels can cause slightly lower magnesium results.