Phosphate or phosphorus is one of the most essential minerals for your body, which helps in various functions. But, among the major necessities, this mineral is required for strengthening the teeth and bones and also ensures the normal functioning of your heart, muscles, and nerves.
Apart from that, phosphate minerals also help increase protein production in your body and store energy for optimal usage. Food items such as meat, nuts, dairy, seeds, and others have phosphate in abundance.
Some amount of this mineral is also found in your blood, which indicates some of the health factors. Therefore, a phosphate test is recommended in various diagnostic scenarios. To help you better understand the need for this test, read this article till the end.
What is the significance of a Phosphate or phosphorus test?
A phosphate or phosphorus test is conducted as a regular blood test, which will help the doctors determine the level of this mineral in the bloodstream. The doctors recommend this test to determine either abnormality of the phosphate levels in your blood, which might indicate either toxicity or deficiency of the mineral.
When you have low phosphorus levels in your blood, it indicates the condition Hypophosphatemia, which might be an indication that you have a kidney problem, alcohol abuse, Vitamin D deficiency, or other such issues.
On the contrary, when you have high phosphorus levels in your blood, you will experience Hyperphosphatemia, which is again due to different kidney adversity or excessive consumption of Vitamin D or phosphorus supplements.
What’s the Importance of the Phosphorus Test, and When is it Advised?
As stated earlier, the presence of phosphorus minerals in your blood is very important for the healthy functioning of blood tissues, organs, and cells. Therefore, in case of any health adversity or negative body function symptoms, doctors suggest this test as a priority.
With the results of this test, the doctors will be able to diagnose any specific health adversity and treat the same with optimal remedies. Too low levels of this mineral are definitely a worrying sign, but excessive levels also indicate equal danger.
The doctors will advise you to take a blood test when you come to them with low or high phosphorus symptoms such as:
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Bone disease
- Anaemia
- Appetite loss
- Rapid weight loss or gain
- Confusion or anxiety
- Breathing problems
A healthy human body tends to obtain a proper balance of phosphorus and calcium levels. Due to any reason, if the calcium levels in your body are deteriorating or fluctuating, so will the levels of phosphorus minerals.
How do you prepare for the phosphorus blood test?
It is a very simple blood test without any complex guidelines or procedures. Therefore, there isn’t any need for preparation. But, please inform the doctor about any specific medications that you are currently on, such as antacids, Vitamin D supplements, intravenous glucose, or others. If you consume any of these, your doctors might recommend you not to consume them, at least for a few hours before the phosphorus blood test.
This is because the effects of such medications might alter the phosphorus levels in your blood, resulting in inaccurate data. Apart from that, you must also prevent the consumption of aerated drinks, cheese, chocolates, or beer just a few hours before the test. It is because such food or beverage items are high in phosphorus levels.
Also Read: Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D? Exploring Sources, Levels, Benefits, and Deficiencies
Is there any Specific Procedure Followed for a Phosphorus Blood Test?
There is no need for you to fast before taking the phosphorus blood test, but just avoid the food items as specified above. The usual blood sample collection procedure will be followed, where the lab technician will first clean a spot on your arm where the veins are clearly visible.
Now, they will tie an elastic band around the elbow or arm for the veins to pop out clearly. A needle will then be used to draw the blood from your vein, and it will then be stored in a vial. The elastic will then be removed, and a bandaid will be applied to the punctured part of the arm.
The blood sample will then be sent to the laboratory for further analysis of phosphorus levels. You can expect to get the reports on the same day or the following day.
There is a possibility that you might feel a little dizzy after the blood sample is collected, but that’s a very rare case effect. In case there is any swelling at the puncture site, it is advised to give the site a warm compression to experience relief.
How to Interpret the Phosphorus Test Results?
Phosphorus test results are measured in units, milligrams per decilitre, where decilitre represents the blood quantity. Based on the age of the patient, the normal level of phosphorus will vary.
As per doctors, children are supposed to have higher levels of phosphorus in their blood than that of adults. This is because children will need efficient bone development at an early age. The normal range of phosphorus levels are as follows:
- For children, the normal level is between 4.0 and 7.0 mg/dl.
- For adults, the normal level is between 2.8 and 4.5 mg/dl.
When the phosphorus levels are too high, it indicates that the patient is suffering from hyperphosphatemia, and when the levels are too low, it indicates hypophosphatemia. For a healthy body, the level of phosphorus that should be present in your blood are:
- For adults, healthy phosphorus levels are 700 mg.
- For children aged from 1 to 18 years, the phosphorus levels should be between 460mg and 1250mg.
What are Some Foods You Must Eat and Avoid to Maintain Healthy Phosphorus Levels?
Some of the foods that you must prefer eating in order to maintain a healthy phosphorus level in your blood are:
- Egg
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Milk Products
- Protein-rich foods such as fish or chicken
- Whole grains
- Dry fruits
- Nuts & seeds
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Cucumbers
On the other hand, some of the things you must avoid consuming in order to obtain a proper balance of phosphorus levels include:
- Cocoa
- Dark chocolates
- Beer
- Canned Iced tea
- Beverages with Phosphate as an additive
- Dark colas
Conclusion
With this, you are now having clarity on how important phosphorus levels are for the healthy functioning of your body. So, take the advice of your doctors and do everything possible to keep it in balance. If you feel any of the specified symptoms, such as muscle weakness or fatigue, visit your doctor right away.
When you get prescribed for the phosphorus test, you can book the slot for the same on our website at Agilus Diagnostics. We are among the best diagnostic centres in India and are offering all types of tests at reasonable pricing. Come book your slots for the phosphorus test today!
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
