Phosphorus Testing

Phosphorus is a mineral crucial to several physiological processes in the body. The bones and the teeth store most of the phosphorus in the body. Some amount of phosphorus also circulates in the blood. Doctors can determine the phosphorus levels in the blood through a phosphorus test. Abnormal phosphorus levels are caused by various conditions, like kidney failure, that require medical attention. Phosphorus and other diagnostic tests can help the doctor diagnose these conditions.

 

This article discusses the phosphorus test, when it is done, why it is required, and more.

What is a Phosphorus Test?

A phosphorus test assesses the level of phosphorus in the blood. The element phosphorus is responsible for several crucial physiological processes in the body, such as:

 

• Building strong bones and teeth
• Generating energy
• Helping nerve and muscle function

 

The body strictly controls the amount of phosphorus. Abnormal phosphorus levels can indicate problems with systems in the body that are responsible for maintaining phosphorus levels. A phosphorus test and other tests can help diagnose these problems.

When is a Phosphorus Test Done?

A doctor can order a phosphorus test when one develops symptoms of severely low phosphorus, such as:

 

1. Anxiety, irritability or confusion
2. Bone pain, fragile bones and bone developmental problems
3. Irregular breathing
4. Fatigue
5. Loss of appetite
6. Muscle weakness
7. Weight gain or loss

 

A phosphorus test is also usually required to diagnose the cause of low calcium symptoms such as:

 

1. Nails that break with ease
2. Coarse hair
3. Muscle cramps
4. Bone pain
5. Seizures

Some medical conditions can cause abnormal phosphorus levels. Doctors can recommend a phosphorus test to monitor conditions, such as:

 

1. Kidney diseases
2. Malnutrition
3. Malabsorption syndrome
4. Parathyroid gland disorders.

Why is a Phosphorus Test Required?

The purpose of a phosphorus test is to diagnose or monitor the following conditions:

 

1. Chronic Kidney Disease: A high blood phosphate level can occur due to the kidneys not working properly.
2. Bone disorders: High phosphorus levels can be responsible for taking out calcium from the bones and weakening them.
3. Parathyroid Disorders: Parathyroid glands control the balance of phosphorus and calcium in the blood. A phosphorus test can reveal whether these glands are functioning well.
4. Diabetes: A phosphorus test can also be used to monitor the health of people with uncontrolled diabetes.
5. Acid-base Imbalance: An acid-base imbalance refers to the abnormal proportion of acid to base in the body.

How to Prepare for a Phosphorus Blood Test?

The doctor can advise to avoid supplements and medications that affect the body’s phosphorus levels. These include:

 

• Antacids
• Excess vitamin D supplements
• Intravenous glucose
• Medicines that contain sodium phosphate

Additionally, the doctor can also recommend fasting before the test if required.

How to Interpret Phosphorus Test Results?

The phosphorus normal range for adults is 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL. The normal phosphorous levels vary slightly with age. Children naturally have higher phosphorus for bone development.

 

A phosphorus level higher than normal is called hyperphosphatemia and can indicate the following conditions:

 

1. Late-stage Chronic Kidney Disease or Kidney Failure: If the kidneys are damaged, they cannot filter out phosphorus, which builds up in the body. Doctors can advise people with kidney conditions to avoid phosphorus-rich foods like meat and dairy.
2. Hypoparathyroidism: In this condition, the parathyroid gland malfunctions and does not create enough parathyroid hormone. This can cause the calcium levels to reduce and the phosphorus levels to increase.
3. Acidosis: Certain conditions, such as lung and kidney disorders, can lead to too much acid in the blood.
4. Long-term Use of Certain Medications: Certain medicines such as steroids, laxatives and enema can raise phosphorus levels over time.

A phosphorus level lower than normal is called hypophosphatemia and can indicate the following conditions:

 

1. Vitamin D Deficiency: Low vitamin D can lead to a condition called soft bones accompanied by low phosphorus levels.
2. Hyperparathyroidism: In this condition, the parathyroid glands make excess parathyroid hormones, which reduce phosphorus levels.
3. Long-term Use of Certain Medications: Antacids and prescription diuretics can lower phosphorus levels over time.
4. Getting Too Little Phosphorus from Diet: This is usually common in people with some rare genetic disorders, alcohol use disorder or severe malnutrition.

A phosphorus test determines the phosphorus levels in the blood. Too much or too little phosphorus can be a result of health problems. Phosphorus test, in conjunction with other tests, is used to diagnose or monitor these health problems. Upon noticing symptoms of high or low phosphorus levels given here, one should consult a doctor and book phosphorus serum test at Dr Lal PathLabs to assess their phosphorus levels.

FAQs

1. What food items are rich in phosphorus?

Meat and dairy products are rich in phosphorus.

2. What are the risks associated with Phosphorus Testing?

There are no risks involved in a phosphorus test. However, some people can experience pain and bruising at the injection site for some time.