Description
A phosphorus blood test, also known as a phosphate blood test, measures the amount of phosphorus in your blood and is used to help diagnose and monitor a number of health conditions:
Kidney disease: A high level of phosphorus in the blood is often a sign of kidney problems, as the kidneys have difficulty removing phosphorus from the body.
Bone disorders: Phosphorus is a mineral that helps build strong bones and teeth.
Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can cause high levels of phosphorus in the blood.
Endocrine disorders: High levels of phosphorus in the blood can be a sign of other endocrine disorders.
Malnutrition: A phosphate test can help measure phosphate levels in people who are malnourished.
Ketoacidosis: A condition that sometimes affects people with diabetes, where the body can't use blood glucose for energy.
Digestive system conditions: A phosphate test can help diagnose conditions that interfere with the absorption of phosphate, calcium, and magnesium.
Other conditions that can cause abnormal phosphorus levels include:
- Liver disease
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Too much vitamin D
- Too much phosphate in your diet
- Certain medicines, such as laxatives
- Alcoholism
- Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood)
Fasting not required.
