Urine Magnesium Concentration
This test measures the amount of magnesium present in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess how well your body is excreting magnesium through urine.
["This test helps evaluate kidney function and magnesium balance in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35250-0
- Short code
- Magnesium Ur-msCnc
- Synonyms
- Magnesium Ur-msCnc
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.7
- Ref high
- 2.2
- Critical range
- 1 N/A – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83735
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, cramps, or irregular heartbeat, or if you have conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or certain metabolic disorders. It may also be used to monitor treatment for conditions affecting magnesium levels.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period in a special container. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis to determine the magnesium concentration.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Low magnesium in urine may indicate poor kidney function or excessive loss of magnesium. High levels could suggest conditions like kidney stones, excessive sweating, or certain medications. Always discuss your results with your doctor.
How Is This Test Different from Blood Magnesium Tests?
This urine test focuses specifically on magnesium excretion, while blood tests measure magnesium levels within your bloodstream. Both tests serve different diagnostic purposes depending on your symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
Adult: 1.7-2.2 mg/dLN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Magnesium is essential for nerve and muscle function, blood pressure regulation, and maintaining healthy bones. Abnormal urine magnesium levels can signal underlying kidney issues or metabolic imbalances. Your doctor may use these results to guide treatment for conditions like hypermagnesaemia or hypomagnesaemia.
Short name
Urine Magnesium
Frequently asked questions
What does a urine magnesium test measure?
How often is this test recommended?
Can diet affect urine magnesium test results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy