Final answer:
To prevent magnesium toxicity, a 24 hour urine collection test should be ordered. This test measures the urinary excretion of magnesium and other substances, guiding the prevention of toxicity and appropriate treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent magnesium toxicity, it is essential to monitor magnesium levels in the body. The recommended lab test for this purpose is a 24 hour urine collection, which measures total daily urinary volume and the excretion of substances including magnesium, sodium, uric acid, calcium, citrate, oxalate, and phosphate. This test provides a comprehensive assessment of an individual's magnesium status and can help guide appropriate supplementation or dietary changes to prevent toxicity. The normal range for serum magnesium levels is typically between 1.7 to 2.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Ensuring balanced magnesium levels is critical because magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health, glucose and insulin metabolism, and overall cellular function. Magnesium deficiency or toxicity can lead to significant health issues, including hypertension, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease.