Monday, November 30, 2009

EFP : Test for phosphorus

Test for Phosphorus

The test measures the amount or level of phosphate in the blood.

-Phosphorus - serum; HPO4-2, PO4-3 (Inorganic phosphate)

Importance of Phosphorus Testing

  The test for phosphorus can be used for diagnostic procedures and evaluation of conditions and diseases which affect the gastrointestinal tract which interferes with absorption of phorphorus, magnesium, and calcium. People who are malnourish or who are being treated for ketoacidoses go through the test of Phosphorus. Phosphorus levels can be carefully monitored and testing can help in the diagnosis of disorders which also affects the kidneys, minerals which interfere in excretion and conservation. The test is performed to check on the level of phosphorus present in the blood, particularly if you are known to have an abnormal condition dealing with the gastrointestinal tract, mainly kidneys.

Preparation and how the test is performed

  The health care provider may advise the patient not to take any kind of drug or medication that may affect the test being performed to avoid miscalculations of results. 

  The test starts from drawing blood from a vein, usually from the back of the elbow. Once the puncture site is seen, antiseptics is used to disinfect the site. Once the site is cleaned, proceed to venipuncture. Tie the tourniquet around the upper part of the arm, make sure the tourniquet is not too loose nor too tight. Once blood is collected, transfer the collected blood into a container. Follow the procedure for centrifugation to come up with the specimen needed which is the serum.

Normal Values

-range for the normal value is : 2.4 - 4.1 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter)

Abnormalities

DECREASE IN LEVEL

  • Hypocalcemia -low serum calcium level
  • Hyperinsulinism
  • hypoparathyroidism -low parathyroid hormone secretion

INCREASE IN LEVEL

  • Hypercalcemia -high serum calcium level
  • Bone metastasis -cancer in the bone
  • Hyperparathyroidism -excessive parathyroid hormone secretion
  • Increased dietary / intravenous intake of phosphorus
  • Renal failure
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Liver disorder