Ionized magnesium.sup.2+ concentrations in biological samples

摘要

The present invention provides a method for preparing and storing biological samples prior to measuring ionized Mg.sup.2+ concentrations in order to obtain accurate and reproducible readings. A novel method for accurately reading ionized magnesium ion concentrations in biological samples is provided. A method for monitoring ionized Mg.sup. 2+ concentrations and ionized Ca.sup.2+ :Mg.sup.2+ ratios in a patient, useful in diagnosing and prognosing disease states including cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, hypertension, abnormal pregnancy, head trauma, and fetal abnormalities is provided as well as a composition and a method of treating a patient with ionized Mg.sup.2+ or ionized Ca.sup.2+ and Mg.sup.2+.