Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
SMG
Test Code (Numeric Code)
0168
Laboratory Handling
Sample Stability
7 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-8°C, 1 year at -20°C
Associated Tests
Synonyms
Plasma/Serum Magnesium, Mg, Mg2+
Turnaround Time
3 hours
Specimen Type
- Plasma
- Serum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
- Plain (Red Top)
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
3.5
No of Samples Required
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
- Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Additional Specimen Information
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer PST Blood (Preferred)
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Heparin Blood
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Plain Blood
Last updated: 18/09/2026