Patient Preparation:No special preparation is required
A Phosphorus test is usually ordered in combination with Calcium, Vitamin D or Parathyroid Hormone PTH to help diagnose abnormalities in calcium and phosphorous imbalance.
Your doctor may recommend this test for you if they suspect your phosphorous levels are either too high or too low. The symptoms include:
Higher anxiety levels
Pain in the bones/Increased fragility
Irregular breathing
Loss of appetite
Sudden weight loss or gain
Similar to calcium, 85% of the phosphorus is present in the bones and is vital for maintaining healthy bone and teeth. Phosphorus is also found in the body as phosphates and plays an imperative role in energy production in the form of ATP (which includes 3 phosphate molecules). ATP is readily used for several body functions. Phosphorus also has a vital role to play in the growth and repair of body cells and tissues. Phosphorus is present in various foods and is absorbed readily; hence its deficiency is rare.
Low levels of Phosphorus in most cases indicate problems in absorption (malabsorption) such as rickets and osteomalacia in kids. Malnutrition, alcoholism and overuse of diuretics can also cause low phosphorous in the blood.
High levels of Phosphorus may be indicative of kidney failure or liver disease. Abnormally high levels can lead to organ calcification but is a rare case. High Phosphorus levels also lead to cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis.
Sample: Serum (2 mL)
Methodology: Phospho Molybdate