Magnesium & Calcium Blood Test Electrolytes & Mineral Balance Analysis
Biomarkers
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Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, including energy production, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and bone health. A blood test measures the concentration of magnesium in the serum and is used to identify deficiency or excess, both of which can affect heart rhythm, muscle function, and overall cellular health.
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Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with the vast majority stored in the bones and teeth. In the blood, calcium plays a critical role in muscle contraction, nerve signalling, blood clotting, and hormone secretion. A calcium blood test measures the level of calcium circulating in the serum and is used to assess bone health, parathyroid function, and kidney health, as well as to investigate symptoms such as muscle cramps, fatigue, or bone pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an electrolyte blood test?
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An electrolyte blood test measures the levels of key minerals in your blood that carry an electric charge.These minerals, known as electrolytes, play a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve signalling,muscle contraction, and pH regulation. Abnormal electrolyte levels can affect many systems in the body and may indicate an underlying health condition.
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What does this electrolyte test measure?
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This test measures two key electrolytes: calcium and magnesium. Both are essential minerals that support bone health, muscle function, nerve signalling, and numerous enzymatic processes throughout the body
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What is the role of electrolytes in the body?
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Electrolytes perform several critical functions. They regulate the balance of fluids inside and outside cells, support the transmission of nerve signals, enable muscle contraction and relaxation, and help maintain the pH balance of the blood within the narrow range required for normal biochemical function.
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Why is calcium important as an electrolyte?
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Calcium is essential for muscle contraction, nerve signalling, blood clotting, and hormone secretion. As an electrolyte, it helps muscles respond to nerve signals, contracting and relaxing correctly. Abnormal calcium levels can affect heart rhythm, bone density, and overall muscle and nerve function.
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What causes electrolyte imbalances?
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Electrolyte imbalances can be caused by a wide range of factors, including poor dietary intake, dehydration, excessive sweating, kidney disease, certain medications such as diuretics, gastrointestinal conditions affecting absorption, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes. In some cases, over- supplementation of individual minerals can also disrupt the balance between electrolytes
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Who should consider an electrolyte blood test?
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An electrolyte test is useful for anyone experiencing symptoms of imbalance such as persistent muscle cramps, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat. It is also recommended for those with kidney disease, diabetes, or digestive conditions, people taking diuretics or certain medications, athletes with high sweat loss, and anyone wanting a general health check of their mineral levels
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Can low electrolyte levels be improved through diet?
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Yes, in many cases. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and tinned fish with bones. Magnesium is found in nuts, seeds, wholegrains, legumes, and dark chocolate. However, if a deficiency is confirmed through a blood test, a healthcare professional may recommend supplementation alongside dietary changes to restore levels more effectively.
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Why is magnesium important as an electrolyte?
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Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports normal muscle and nerve function and plays an important role in many enzymatic processes throughout the body. It is involved in energy production and helps regulate the movement of electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, into and out of cells. Most of the body's magnesium is stored in the bones and inside cells, while only a small amount is present in the bloodstream.
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What does a magnesium blood test measure?
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This test measures magnesium levels in the blood. It does not reflect total body magnesium stores, so if symptoms persist further testing may be recommended
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Turnaround Time
Turnaround Time
Test Preparation
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Electrolytes
Fasting is not strictly required for a calcium and magnesium test, as levels are generally stable and not significantly influenced by recent meals. However, it is advisable to avoid heavy or fatty meals for at least 6 hours before collecting your sample. High-fat food intake can cause lipaemia, a condition where excess fat particles make the blood appear cloudy or milky, which can interfere with the laboratory's ability to analyse your sample accurately and may result in your sample being rejected.
If your electrolyte test is being taken alongside other blood markers, it is worth following any specific preparation instructions provided with your test kit.
Symptom Check
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Electrolytes
Symptoms of Low Calcium and Magnesium
Low calcium and magnesium often produce overlapping symptoms, as both minerals are closely involved in muscle and nerve function. Common signs of deficiency include muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching, persistent fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, headaches, and low mood or anxiety. Low calcium specifically can also cause brittle nails, dental problems, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythms. Low magnesium is frequently associated with poor sleep, restless legs, and difficulty concentrating. Because these symptoms are non-specific and gradual, deficiency is often missed without a blood test.
Symptoms of High Calcium and Magnesium
Elevated calcium and magnesium levels are less common but equally important to identify. High calcium, known as hypercalcaemia, can cause nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation, fatigue, and confusion. In more severe cases it may lead to kidney stones or affect heart function. High magnesium, known as hypermagnesaemia, is rare in healthy individuals but can occur with excessive supplementation or kidney dysfunction, presenting as low blood pressure, nausea, muscle weakness, and in serious cases, difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeat. Both conditions require medical evaluation if suspected.
Result Report
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Result Report (in-use)
The final report provides a comprehensive breakdown of your biomarkers, displaying your specific levels alongside standard UK reference ranges to show exactly where you fall on the spectrum. Beyond just the raw numbers, the report includes a brief commentary.
View your results in a clear, easy-to-understand format with charts and reference ranges. If you repeat the same biomarkers with us, your report includes historical comparisons to help track changes, trends, and progress over time.
Low or imbalanced electrolyte levels can affect muscle function, nerve signalling, bone health, and energy. This home blood test measures calcium and magnesium, two essential electrolytes that are frequently overlooked in standard blood panels, giving you clear, quantitative results from a CQC-regulated UK laboratory.
An electrolyte blood test is used to measure the levels of electrolytes in a person's blood. Electrolytes carry an electric charge and play a vital role in maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction, and other important bodily functions.
This test gives you the levels of Calcium and Magnesium in your blood.
This electrolytes home blood collection kit contains everything you need to collect blood and send it to our laboratory for analysis. Inside, you'll find lancets, instructions, lab request form, labels, tube, tube pouch, prepaid UN3373 envelope, tube holder, swabs, alcohol wipes, and plasters. No need to go to the post office; simply drop off your sample in the nearest red letterbox.
The report will be quantitative, containing actual figures and remarks for results that fall outside the normal range. The report will be sent to your email.
The Role of Electrolytes in Blood
1. **Maintaining Fluid Balance:** Electrolytes play a significant role in regulating the balance of fluids inside and outside cells. Sodium and potassium, in particular, help control the movement of water in and out of cells, maintaining proper hydration levels.
2. **Nerve Signalling:** The transmission of nerve signals relies heavily on the movement of ions, which are charged particles produced by electrolytes. Sodium and potassium ions, for instance, contribute to generating and transmitting electrical impulses that allow muscles to contract and nerves to communicate.
3. **Muscle Contraction:** Calcium is a crucial player in muscle contraction. It helps muscles contract and relax in response to nerve signals. Magnesium also plays a role in muscle function and helps prevent excessive muscle contractions.
4. **pH Balance:** Electrolytes help regulate the pH balance of your blood, ensuring that it remains within a narrow range. Maintaining the right pH is vital for various biochemical reactions and enzymatic processes.
Read more about what electrolytes are and how they are important to your health.
How it works
Order test online
Collect a few drops at home
Return sample to the lab
