Determination of serum magnesium concentration by clinical laboratories.

The reference system, preanalytical variables, specimen requirements and methodology for determination of magnesium in serum by clinical laboratories are discussed. Most clinical laboratories determine the serum magnesium concentration by colorimetric methods. Four different chromophores (calmagite, methylthymol blue, formazan dye and magon) are commonly used for the determination of serum magnesium on automated instruments by clinical laboratories. The College of American Pathologists Proficiency Testing Survey shows that instruments using the chromophore magon have a larger coefficient of variation among laboratories than most instruments using a different chromophore.