Ing.Phosphorus Test

All the physiological processes that take place in our body requires phosphorous. This important element helps with bone growth, storage of energy, and muscle and nerve production. The bone and teeth contain most of the phosphorous present in our body. However, a small quantity is also present in our blood. Hyperphosphatemia is a condition where the amounts of phosphorous increases in your body. And, hypophosphatemia is a condition where the amounts of phosphorous in your body are lower than necessary. Your doctor can access the phosphorous levels in your body by doing a blood test. It is not time-consuming or painful.

Your doctor asks you to get this test done when he suspects that the phosphorous levels in your body are either too high or too low, which can lead to; 1. Anxiety or irritability
2. Issues with bone
3. Irregular breathing
4. Fatigue and exhaustion
5. Loss of appetite
6. Muscle weakness
7. Weight gain or loss
Several medications can affect the phosphorous levels in your body. These include; antacids, vitamin D supplements, intravenous glucose, and medicines that contain sodium phosphate. Before your test, you must tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking as he may instruct you to stop them temporarily.

As mentioned above, this test will indicate the level of phosphorous in your body. The normal range for adults is 2.5 mg/dL to 4.5 mg/DL. Sometimes, the phosphorous levels in children can become high and it is natural. This is because they need this mineral to develop their bones. If your test shows high levels of phosphorous, it usually means; Impaired kidney function, Diabetic ketoacidosis , Low levels of calcium, Impaired parathyroid gland function, Liver disease, Low levels of phosphorous indicate; Excess use of antacids, Vitamin D deficiency , Not consuming the required amount of phosphorous (your meals lack phosphorous), Malnutrition, Consuming too much alcohol, High levels of calcium present in your body, Your parathyroid glands are overactive, Severe burns.

The procedure of the serum phosphorus test is quite simple. Fasting before the test is not required. However, for any reason, if it is required, your doctor will let you know. This is basically a blood test. The doctor or a nurse will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Once it is done, the blood samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis.