Serum Phosphorus (Ph) Test

Phosphorus is a mineral required in your body for healthy bones, teeth, as well as nerve and muscle function. However, some amount of it is also present in your blood. Abnormally high or low levels of phosphorus in the blood can lead to various health complications. It may also hint towards an underlying health condition such as renal disease.

A serum phosphorus test measures the amount of phosphate in a blood sample. Phosphorus imbalance in blood could be caused by poor nutrition, alcoholism, excess phosphate in your diet, or kidney and liver diseases. Phosphorus test helps you identify conditions that might cause phosphorus imbalances in the blood.

Phosphorus combines with other substances to form phosphate compounds. The serum phosphorus test detects the amount of inorganic phosphate in your blood. The deficiency of this mineral can cause hypophosphatemia. This is typically caused by acid-base imbalances, malnutrition, malabsorption, kidney disorders, etc.

Excess intake of this mineral is called hyperphosphatemia, and it can also be caused by a diet rich in phosphorus, low blood calcium, etc. A common cause of hyperphosphatemia in Indians is chronic kidney disease.

Foods like chicken, dairy, nuts, and soya are particularly high in phosphorus and should best be avoided if you have hyperphosphatemia. The serum phosphorus test result doesn’t reveal the exact underlying condition but helps with the overall diagnosis. Other tests may also be needed to find the root cause of the symptoms.

The test is also quite inexpensive.

Hyperphosphatemia, Hypophosphatemia, Renal disease, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Liver disease

The serum phosphorus test measures the level of phosphorus in the blood.

A doctor usually prescribes this test when symptoms related to kidney failure or liver disease are detected. Bone fragility or muscle weakness in this case the doctor can request a phosphorus test.

This test is also prescribed if you have a kidney disorder or diabetes and you are taking calcium or phosphate supplements.

The serum phosphorus test is applicable for adults and children, males and females. Before taking this test, you must inform your doctor, if you are on any kind of medication. Certain medications can affect the result of this test and can lead to a false phosphorus test result.

The serum phosphorus test report is typically needed when either the symptoms or another test suggests kidney or digestive system disorders or musculoskeletal system. Some of the common symptoms that may require this test are:

• Loss of appetite
• Muscle weakness
• Bone fragility or pain
• Fatigue
• Anxiety and irritability
• Weight gain or loss
• Irregular breathing

A phosphorus test can also be requested in people who are being treated for malnourishment. A poor diet can cause phosphorus levels in the blood to drop significantly.

Before the Test

Generally, no preparation is mandated for a Serum Phosphorus test. However, if this test coincides with another which requires certain measures, your healthcare provider may advise you to refrain from consuming specific food items. It is advisable to always seek guidance from your doctor prior to the test for optimal results.

During the Test

A small sample of your blood will be extracted from a vein in your arm. Here are the key aspects to anticipate during the test:

• The region where the needle will be inserted will be disinfected with an antiseptic.
• A tourniquet band will be applied to your arm to enhance vein visibility.
• A needle will be introduced into the vein to draw the blood. This may cause a brief pinching sensation lasting a few seconds.
• The blood will be collected in a vial or small test tube and the blank label will be filled with your details.

After the Test

Following the blood collection:

• A bandage will be affixed to the puncture site to prevent bleeding.
• Minor bruising is common. An uncommon effect is lightheadedness. You should sit for a few minutes if you feel dizzy.
• Contact your healthcare provider in case of bleeding, pain, or rashes at the puncture site.

The test report will mention the amount of phosphorus found in your blood. The unit used is milligrams of phosphorus per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).

The phosphorus test involves analysis of your blood sample to measure the amount of inorganic phosphate present in it. The phosphorus test report will include data to tell you if you have abnormal levels of phosphorus in the blood. This single parameter can help diagnose a range of different ailments.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

The phosphorus test normal range differs for adults and children. You will also find slight variations among different laboratories. If the value is significantly higher than the normal range, it can be due to a variety of health conditions. Excessive consumption of food rich in phosphorus is also one reason for the high value of phosphorus.

A doctor can diagnose different ailments based on the phosphorus test result and other test reports. Common health conditions associated with values above the normal range are:

• Hypoparathyroidism
• Kidney failure
• Liver disease
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Excess vitamin D in the diet
• Use of laxatives