PHOSPHORUS TEST

 
What are the other names for this test?

Phosphate in the blood test, P, PO4, Phosphorus serum

What is a phosphorus test?

A phosphorus test helps to determine phosphorus levels in your blood. Phosphorus is a mineral that often mixes with other substances to develop organic and inorganic phosphate compounds. Phosphorus and phosphate words often replace each other in testing. A serum phosphorus/phosphate test measures the amount of inorganic phosphate in your blood.
Phosphates are necessary for bone development, energy production, and nerve and muscle function. They also help to maintain the acid-base balance of your body. Most phosphorus comes from the foods you eat. Phosphorus is present in many foods, and your digestive system absorbs it. Foods that contain high phosphate include eggs, beef, fish, chicken, cereals, beans, peas, and nuts. Your blood possesses about 1% of phosphorus amount.
Most phosphates of your body work with calcium to build teeth and bones. Few amounts are available in your muscle and nerve tissue. The remaining is present in your body cells to keep energy.
Your body helps to maintain phosphorus levels by releasing extra into the kidneys, and enough of it absorbs from the intestines. Phosphorus deficiencies may happen due to malnutrition, acid-base disorder, malabsorption, high calcium levels, and problems that lead to kidney failure. High phosphorus may develop due to low calcium levels, high intake of phosphorus, and kidney disorders.

What is the purpose of this test?

A phosphorus test helps to see abnormal phosphorus levels in your blood. This test often performs other tests, such as calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH). A phosphorus test may use to:
 

• Diagnose conditions that lead to calcium and phosphorus imbalances. 
• Diagnose and observe kidney and bone disease
• Determine parathyroid disorders. The parathyroid glands are located in your neck and help to produce hormones, which control calcium levels in the blood. If the gland develops high or low hormones, this leads to severe complications for your health.
• Monitor calcium and phosphorus levels if you are taking their supplements.

When do I need to take this test?

Your healthcare provider may order a phosphorus test if you see a symptom of kidney disease or parathyroid disorder. You may need this test if you have phosphorus disorders that may lead to symptoms similar to abnormal calcium levels, including
 

• Fatigue
• Bone pain
• Weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Confusion

Most people do not see symptoms of these problems. Your healthcare provider may ask for a phosphorus test if you are at risk of developing kidney disease. Your provider also observes your medical history and calcium test results. If you have abnormal calcium levels, this also means you have abnormal phosphorus levels.
You may need to place an online order for this test if you have difficulty controlling your diabetes.

What is the procedure for this test?

A phosphorus test is a blood test that often requires your blood sample. The following are the steps for this test after visiting the laboratory.
 

• Sit in front of your provider. Be relaxed and stay in a fixed position. It is difficult for your provider to collect a blood sample if you do the muscle movement.
• Remove the portion of your cloth from the arm.
• A small needle will inject into a vein in your arm.
•  A small amount of blood will collect in a test tube.
• Blood samples will store in the laboratory for examination of an allergy.
• You can go home for regular activities.
• This test finishes within five minutes.

You may also need a urine sample for a phosphorus test. Your provider may recommend a 24-hour urine or random urine test.


For a 24-hour urine test, the steps include

• Starting urine in a toilet in the morning without collecting it. Note the time of urinating
• Put your urine in the container for the next 24 hours
• Store that urine in a refrigerator or at a cool place
•  Give your container with urine to the lab care as per the guidelines

For a random or spot urine sample, your healthcare provider will instruct you to collect all urine at any time.

How do I need to prepare for a phosphorus test?

This test may require fasting from midnight before the test. You can consult with a verified doctor about specific preparation. You can inform your provider about medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use. You should not avoid taking the medication without the consent of your doctor.

Are there any risks involved in this test?

A phosphorus test does not have high risks when you give a blood sample. You may experience low risks when the needle injects into your vein include
 

• Infection
• Bruising
• Hematoma (Deposition of blood under the skin)
• Extreme Bleeding
• Slight pain

What do the test results indicate?

The phosphorus test results depend on many factors, such as age, gender, and medical history. The test results may also slightly differ among laboratories. It is because each lab may use different methods for examination.
The reference range for phosphorus is between 2.7 to 4.6 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). The recommended value for phosphorus may change. Low or high phosphorus values may indicate kidney problems. You can consult a healthcare provider here to know about your phosphorus levels.
Children generally have higher phosphate levels than adults due to the increasing growth of bones. Low phosphate levels in children may prevent bone growth, while high phosphate levels may indicate health conditions that disturb the mineral balance in your body.
High phosphorus levels in the blood, known as hyperphosphatemia, may develop due to the following reasons:
 

• Liver disease
• High phosphorus intake in the diet due to phosphate supplementation.
• Kidney failure
• Hypoparathyroidism - A condition in which your parathyroid glands do not develop the required parathyroid hormone.
• Diabetes ketoacidosis - a group of complications of diabetes that leads to life danger situations.

Low phosphorus levels in the blood, known as hypophosphatemia, may occur due to the following reasons:
 

• High calcium levels in the blood, also known as hypercalcemia, often develop due to hyperparathyroidism.
• Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
• Excess use of diuretics
• Malnutrition
• Use of alcohol
• Rickets and osteomalacia happen due to vitamin D deficiencies. Osteomalacia - a condition that softens your bones and disturbs the bone structure. If this condition develops in children, it is called rickets.
• Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)
• Excess use of antacid
• Extreme burns

See your phosphorus levels after placing an online test.

What factors may affect the test results?

If your phosphorus test shows abnormal results, this does not always indicate a medical problem. Some medications and medical processes, like dialysis, may also affect your test results. Some specific foods and drinks that contain high phosphorus levels may change your test result include
 

• Fish
• Cola
• Cheese
• Different beans
• Chocolate
• Beer
• Pre-packaged food

Phosphorus blood and urine levels may be altered by enemas and laxatives containing sodium phosphate and high vitamin D supplements.

What additional tests do I need along with this test?

Your healthcare provider may ask for other tests, specifically calcium tests, if you do not have symptoms of abnormal phosphorus levels. The calcium test is a routine test included in a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and a basic metabolic panel (BMP).
Your provider often observes your phosphorus levels in the blood if you have low or high calcium levels. You may also need a phosphorus urine test with this test.

What else do I need to know about this test?

Abnormal high phosphorus levels may result in organ damage due to calcification, and calcium phosphate accumulation in the tissues, which is less common. High phosphorus levels often lead to cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis (bone disease).