The effect of smoking on the serum ionized magnesium concentration is method-dependent
Niemela, J.E.; Cecco, S.A.; Rehak, N.N.; Elin, R.J.
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 121(10): 1087-1092
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9985 PMID: 9341589 Document Number: 478816
Objective.-To investigate the effect of smoking on serum ionized magnesium concentration ((MG2+)) determined by the NOVA and AVL Mg ion-selective electrodes (Mg ISEs). Methods.- Subjects were apparently healthy smokers (n = 30). We determined NOVA and AVL (Mg2+) in their serum and in test solutions containing compounds increased by smoking. We also determined subjects' white blood cell and differential counts. Results.-For smokers, the mean values for NOVA and AVL (Mg2+) differed significantly (0.41 vs. 0.52 mmol/L, respectively). We found a significant intramethod difference in NOVA (Mg2+) (0.11 mmol/L, P < .0001) between smokers and nonsmokers. A dose-dependent decrease in NOVA (Mg2+) was observed with an increase in cigarettes/day. NOVA (Mg2+) inversely correlated with white blood cell counts. There was no interference by the test compounds with either Mg ISE. Conclusion.-Smoking may induce a serum factor, possibly related to white blood cells, that negatively interferes with the response of the NOVA Mg ISE.