MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Serum phosphorus

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Serum phosphorus

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Blood test

Alternative names Return to top

Phosphorus - serum; PO4; Inorganic phosphate; HPO4-2

Definition Return to top

The serum phosphorus test measures the amount of phosphate in the blood.

How the test is performed Return to top

Adult or child:
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

Infant or young child:
The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

The health care provider may advise you to withhold drugs that may affect the test (see "special considerations").

Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed Return to top

This test is performed to evaluate the blood level of phosphorus, particularly in the presence of disorders known to cause abnormal phosphorus levels.

Most of the body's phosphorus is combined with calcium within the skeleton, but about 15% exists -- as phosphate (PO4) ions -- in the blood and other soft tissues and body fluids. Dietary phosphorus is efficiently absorbed, so a low PO4 level caused by dietary deficiency is unlikely in the absence of a malabsorption syndrome (inadequate absorption of nutrients in the intestinal tract) for individuals on a normal diet.

PO4 levels are controlled by PTH, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. The 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D increases absorption of calcium and phosphate in the intestines. PTH:

Increases calcium and PO4 release from bone
Decreases loss of calcium and increases loss of PO4 in the urine
Increases activation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D to 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D in the kidneys

Normal Values Return to top

Normal values range from 2.4 to 4.1 mg/dl. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.

Note: mg/dl = milligrams per deciliter

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Abnormal results are indicated by the following:

Greater-than-normal levels may occur with:

Lower-than-normal levels may indicate:

Diabetic ketoacidosis
Hypercalcemia
Hyperinsulinism
Hyperparathyroidism
Inadequate dietary intake of PO4 or vitamin D resulting in rickets (childhood) or osteomalacia (adult)

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are Return to top

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations Return to top

Antacids can bind PO4 and decrease absorption.

Nonpharmacological factors that can affect PO4 measurements include: enemas containing sodium phosphate, excess vitamin D supplements, and intravenous glucose administration (because PO4 enters cells along with glucose).

Drugs that can increase PO4 measurements include: laxatives containing Na2HPO4 (sodium phosphate), methicillin, and excess vitamin D or 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Update Date: 2/11/2004

Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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