Where to get EXA Magnesium testing?

[Coco51]

A lot is shared on this forum about the benefits of magnesium supplements, and many find that supplements help with AF symptoms. Some say they get fewer AF episodes when taking them. Thanks to all of you I now know blood tests for magnesium levels can be inaccurate as most magnesium is stored in our cells.

The gold standard is said to be the EXA test which requires a cheek swab. But where on earth can you get one done in the UK? My GP isn't up to speed on this at all, blank looks all round... the private centres like Blue Horizon and Medicheck only seem to do blood tests.

I prefer the idea of natural sources of magnesium so I have spent a year religiously chomping on pumpkin seeds and other mag rich foods, as well as using magnesium oil, and I have noticed an improvement - much shorter less frequent bursts (2 ablations and flecainide have played their part, but hadn't stopped the AF completely). So now I'd really like to check my mag levels. Help anyone?

[bantam12]

Medichecks do various Mag tests.

[Coco51 in reply to bantam12]

Thank you. The website only mentions blood and urine tests. So I will call them.

[bantam12 in reply to Coco51]

They do a urine mag test as well

[secondtry]

I use regularly what I believe is the best Mg test readily available in theUK which is the Red Cell blood test, which is much more indicative than the regular NHS/GP test but I expect not as good as the EXA test you mention, which I understand is easier to get in the USA. RedCell is available through BioLab London, who require you to go through a regular medic or Alternative Practitioner.

[Coco51 in reply to secondtry]

Thank you. I may use this if I can't find the EXA. Or possibly urine test. Out of interest, hope you don't mind me asking, what has the Red Cell test revealed to you about your levels? And where do you get the blood test taken?

[secondtry in reply to Coco51]

The Red Cell blood test has shown repeatably that I am at the bottom of the accepted range and my London Naturopath said I should be in the top quartile of the range. Incidentally, he also advises the extra Mg is matched up with a CoQ10 supplement as well. I understand that high Calcium intake can block absorption of Mg, so after 3 years of trying to lift my Mg level I am currently reduce my large consumption of hi quality dairy to see if this helps my Mg level. If you find a UK EXA test or the urine test is better than Red Cell, please post. Lastly blood take is simple at your local GP/hospital and then send it off in the post; another testing clinic does home blood take with a pin prick but I can't get enough blood out my circulation not being brilliant. Hope something there helps.

[Coco51 in reply to secondtry]

Thank you that is helpful. I will certainly post if anything turns up. My GP said calcium and magnesium are linked. Shame about the dairy! I think many of these low electrolyte readings are caused by diuretics like Indapamide that we take for blood pressure. Half the people in my age group are on them and the incidence of AF has increased. More than a coincidence IMO. They also raise blood sugar levels according to Diabetes UK, as do beta blockers apparently.

[Janco]

I live in South Africa and when I asked my GP about the EXA test, there was also just a blank stare.

I have not gone into the search for it here but it will be interesting to hear how available the test is in your part of the world.