Blood Phosphate Level Test - Information on Phosphorus blood level tests and Reasons to conduct Phosphorus blood level tests

Phosphorus blood levels are tested to determine the amount of the mineral phosphorus in our body. In its free form, phosphorus is present as an ion also known as inorganic phosphate. Phosphorus is an important element which is useful for the synthesis of bones and teeth. Apart from that phosphorous is also useful in maintaining normal functioning of the nerves and the contraction of the muscles. A huge chunk of the phosphorus present in our body is in the form of bones. If there is any extra phosphate in the blood, it is usually excreted by the kidney. However, if the kidneys are not functioning properly, phosphorus may be excreted in excessive quantities. If in the urine, there is a large amount of phosphorus, kidney failure is usually the cause.

The calcium and phosphate levels are inversely proportional to each other. If there is a rise in the calcium levels of the body, the phosphate levels decrease dramatically. However, there are some infections which may cause this inverse balance to be disrupted and therefore both phosphate and calcium tests are usually prescribed together.

Reasons for Phosphorus blood level tests

A phosphate test is usually prescribed to check for proper functioning of the kidneys, bones and parathyroid glands. To regulate the parathyroid hormone, phosphate is needed.
The levels of phosphates are usually higher in children because their bone growth is still actively occurring. For adults, the normal values are 3.0 to 4.5 milligrams per deciliter and in children the normal levels are 4.5 to 6.5 milligrams per deciliter. The normal levels range in babies is quite similar to those of children.

Serum phosphate levels, if high, are caused due to kidney diseases or a parathyroid gland which is not functioning properly and is producing low amounts of the parathyroid hormone. Fractures that are healing, diabetic ketoacidosis when left untreated, rhabdomyolysis and acromegaly are also causes for high blood phosphates level. In the presence of excess of vitamin D, phosphate levels of the blood may increase significantly. Decreased magnesium levels and pregnancy are other causes for this increase.

Results for Phosphorus blood level tests

If the results show that the phosphate levels are lower than normal, it could occur because of hyperparathyroidism, burns of the second or third degree, bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteomalacia, diseases of the kidneys and liver, deficiency of vitamin D, malnutrition, gastrointestinal disorders that inhibit the absorption of phosphates, alcohol abuse, and a high level of calcium.

Though the test results are usually accurate, alcohol if consumed even 24 hours prior to the test, can have an affect on the test results. Diseases like lymphoma and diabetes insipidus also affect the test results.