Phosphorus Test
Dr.Abhishtita MudunuriLast Updated on 11th February 2022Table of contents
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What is a Phosphorus test used for?
This test can determine whether you have high or low phosphorus. It is imperative that you treat both conditions with extreme caution. Your doctor may suggest a phosphorus test if they suspect that your phosphorus level is too low or too high.
What is included in a Phosphorus test?
It’s no secret that phosphorus is one of the body’s most crucial minerals. This test is about taking a blood sample and studying it to determine how much phosphorus is in your body. Hence, to take preventive measures in the future. When it turns out that you have excessive amounts of phosphorus in your body, you may need to take a few prescription medicines to ease your symptoms.
Procedure for Phosphorus test
Blood is drawn from a vein, most frequently from an elbow or back of a hand. After blood is drawn, the puncture site is cleaned with an antiseptic. The upper arm is wrapped in an elastic band to apply pressure to the vein and cause it to swell. An airtight vial or syringe is used to collect blood after the injection of a needle into a vein.
When the process is complete and the blood is collected, then the needle is removed, the puncture site is covered to stop bleeding, and the band is removed to allow the blood to flow again.
In the case of infants or small children, a lancet or needle is used for puncturing the area, followed by cleansing with antiseptic. During the blood draw, blood is collected by pipette, slide, test strip, or small container. In the event of bleeding, applying a bandage may be necessary to the puncture site.
How to prepare for a Phosphorus test?
Your phosphorus level can also be affected by medications that contain sodium phosphate. Make sure your doctor knows what medications you are taking. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily discontinue taking any medications that may interfere with your test results. Here is a list of a few things that impact your phosphorus level.
- Vitamin D supplements, if taken more than a specified quantity
- Antacids
- Intravenous glucose
Things to consider after the Phosphorus test is complete!
The test can have mainly three results:
- The report can be normal
- The level of phosphorus can be high, or
- The level of phosphorus can be low.
However, this information is unlikely to be sufficient to diagnose the real cause of the problem. Your doctor might have to run some other tests to determine the factors impacting the level of phosphorus in your body.
Afterward, your doctor will review the phosphorus test results with you. Depending on the results, the doctor may recommend additional tests. Treatment will depend on the underlying condition. Talk to your doctor about the possible treatment options. Those undergoing treatment for a blood disorder may have to undergo regular phosphorus tests. If the phosphorus levels in your body are not normal, it is not a necessary indicator of any medical condition. Factors like your diet, age can affect your results as well.
What types of conditions can the Phosphorus test detect?
High levels of phosphorous may indicate:
- There is an issue with your kidneys.
- Your body is not producing enough parathyroid hormone.
- You are undergoing chemotherapy.
- You have a muscle injury.
- There is a severe infection in your body.
- You are eating an excessive amount of phosphorus. Another possibility can be that you are taking it in supplement form.
Low levels of phosphorous may indicate:
- Your body makes too little thyroid hormone or too much parathyroid hormone.
- Taking antacids for a long time has become a habit.
- There is a high level of calcium in your body.
- This condition prevents you from eating or absorbing food properly.
- You consume too much alcohol.
- There is an issue with your kidneys.
- There are severe burns on your body.
The best course of action is to always consult with your doctor about the test reports.
How much does a Phosphorus test cost?*
The location and cost of where blood is collected affect the price of your blood test. Your provider will also charge you for the laboratory that receives your blood sample. Consult your doctor or insurance provider about the expected costs, including copays or deductibles. The price can vary depending on your location, but a general range may be between Rs 100-400
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for a Phosphorus test?
You can expect to get the results for a Phosphorus test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. In some cases, though, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal Phosphorus test results indicate?
The normal range varies slightly depending on your age. It is natural for children to have higher phosphorus levels because they need more of this mineral to help their bones develop. Mayo Medical Laboratories recommends a range of 2.5 to 4.5 mg/DL for adults.
Phosphorus deficiency can be caused by a range of medical conditions and nutritional disorders, including:
- The use of antacids over a long period
- An insufficient amount of vitamin D
- Not getting enough phosphorus in your diet.
- Malnutrition
- Alcoholism
- Hypercalcemia, also known as high serum calcium levels
- Hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid gland is overactive, resulting in high parathyroid hormone levels
- Severe burns
Having impaired kidney function will result in excessive levels of phosphorus in the blood. You can lower your phosphorus levels by avoiding high-phosphorus foods such as milk, nuts, beans, and liver. Sometimes, however, you may need to take medications to prevent your body from absorbing phosphorus.
Is the Phosphorus test a definitive test?
The phosphorus test is crucial to the determination of phosphorus levels in the body. When it comes to assessing a patient’s health, it is an essential part of the process. A regular check should be performed, and results depend on the healthcare setting. No test is 100% accurate. A phosphorus test can determine whether you have high or low phosphorus levels. However, it cannot diagnose the cause of your condition. You will have to undergo additional testing to figure why your phosphorus test results are abnormal.
How to read the Phosphorus test report?
A high degree of physiologic variation exists in phosphorus concentration. It is affected by several factors, including age, gender, physiological state, and even the season. Essentially, this occurs because of the seasonal variation in vitamin D, which is directly involved in the regulation of phosphorus concentration.
Reference intervals based on patient age are as follows:
- For Adults: 3.0-4.5 mg/DL
- For Elderly: Slightly lower values than adults
- For Child: 4.5-6.5 mg/DL
- For newborn: 4.3-9.3 mg/DL
- The critical value is < 1 mg/DL.
Following are some possible interpretations of phosphorus depletion levels:
- Phosphorus level of 1.5-2.4 mg/DL – This may be considered a moderate decrease and typically does not give rise to clinical signs and symptoms
- Phosphorus level lower than 1.5 mg/DL – May lead to muscle weakness, red cell hemolysis, or coma, as well as bone deformity and impaired bone growth.
- Phosphorus level lower than 1 mg/DL – Considered critical and may be life-threatening
Among patients, hypophosphatemia is relatively frequent.
Why book a Phosphorus test?
Obtaining your phosphorus level will provide you with the following facts:
- Find out if there is a phosphorus deficiency.
- Diagnose conditions that occur when there are abnormal phosphorus and calcium levels in the body.
- If someone has diabetes or an acid-base imbalance, monitor the phosphorus level in their body.
Phosphorus test at home – how does it work?
The Phosphorus Test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. Next, the lab technician fills up a tube with the required quantity of blood. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with a Phosphorus test?
There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Variations in vein and artery size between people and between the left and right sides of the body are common. Taking blood from some people may be trickier than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slim but may include:
- A feeling of fainting or lightheadedness.
- Multiple punctures to locate veins.
- Hematoma, a condition when blood accumulates beneath the skin.
- An excessive amount of bleeding.
- An infection that occurs when the skin breaks.
What can affect the results of a Phosphorus test?
Your phosphate levels may be affected if you have had dialysis or taken certain medicines. Depending on how they impact you, you may avoid some foods and drinks before the test. Consult your doctor if you need to avoid any of these:
- Beans
- Beer
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Cola
- Fish
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Frequently asked questions | FAQs
Is the lab technician coming for the Phosphorus sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety at every stage by wearing a mask, gloves and frequently sanitising themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result with the report. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports properly. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my Phosphorus test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on a Phosphorus test?
Usually, you can avail yourself up to a 50% discount on Phosphorus test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
What symptoms are associated with high phosphorus levels in the body?
Some common symptoms of high phosphorus levels are muscle pain, joint pain, weakness, and itching.
Is fasting required for a phosphorus blood test?
You don’t typically need to fast before this test. Your doctor will let you know if they want you to fast for any reason. The test involves a simple blood draw.
What food is phosphorus found in?
Phosphorus is found naturally in dairy, meat, and plants. It’s needed to help cells work properly.
What is a critical phosphorus level?
Phosphorus level of less than 1.0 mg/DL is potentially very low.
How much phosphorus is needed daily?
Phosphorus intake for healthy adults should range from 800 mg to 1,200 mg per day. A balanced, nutritious diet provides plenty of phosphorus because it’s found naturally in many foods.
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. KinDLy use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.