Phosphorus (Fasting) Test

The Phosphorous test is performed to measure the level of phosphorous in your blood. It also helps in detecting conditions that cause high or low levels of phosphorous content. In our bodies, phosphorus combines with other components to form inorganic phosphate compounds. These compounds are extremely important for the body and helps in a number of functions such as production of energy and bone growth.

You do not need to prepare specifically for the test. You have to make sure that you have gathered all the information from your doctor and are well aware of the process and the medications. Apart from this, your doctor would also like to know the medicines or supplements you take as certain medications can affect the test. You might also be asked by your doctor to fast overnight before you give the blood sample for the test.

After analysing your blood sample, the results come out. Low levels of Phosphorous means that your symptoms might be associated with any of the following: Malnutrition, Alcoholism, Hypothyroidism, Chronic antacid use etc. High levels of Phosphorous acid, on the other hand, is associated with the following: Kidney Failure, Liver disease, Hypoparathyroidism etc. If the levels of phosphate are extremely high, it can lead to organ damage due to calcification. High phosphate level is also associated with cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

For the test, your doctor or lab technician will place a plastic band on your upper arm; this is done to fill up the vein with blood and swell up. Then, he or she will clean the area with an antiseptic and put a needle. He will then draw a blood and keep it in a vial or tube. The plastic band and needle are removed and a bandage is applied to the area to stop the bleeding. The whole process usually takes a few minutes. Sometimes, your doctor might also ask for a timed urine sample. In that case, you will have to save all your urine for a period, which is usually about 24 hours.