Phosphorus Random Urine

Phosphorus Random Urine test is used to measure the amount of phosphorus in the urine by collecting a random urine sample.

What is Phosphorus?

Phosphorus (P) is a mineral which is naturally present in many food items such as meat and dairy products that we eat. It is mainly present in your bones and teeth. It is also found within the cells throughout the body. The body needs phosphorus for bone growth, energy storage, and muscle and nerve function. It gets absorbed through small intestines and removed via the kidneys. The total body phosphate levels in the blood are about 1 percent in normal health condition.

Why this test is performed?

The Phosphorus Random Urine test is performed to know whether an individual is having normal or abnormal phosphorus levels in the urine. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you experience any signs and symptoms of low levels of phosphorous such as loss of appetite, bone pain, joint pain, muscle weakness, weight gain or loss etc. This test is also recommended to you by your doctor if he suspects high levels of phosphorus in the body. You may be advised to perform this test if you have a kidney disorder or kidney stones, diabetes, hypoparathyroidism (a condition due to low levels of parathyroid hormone), hyperparathyroidism (a condition due to high levels of parathyroid hormone), or if you are taking phosphate or calcium supplements. Your doctor may also recommend this test in individuals who had shown an abnormal calcium level as part of a follow-up. However, in case of abnormal test results, your doctor may recommend a few more additional tests to detect the exact cause of abnormal test results.

If you have a family history of kidney problems, your doctor may ask you to perform this test on a 6-monthly basis or a yearly basis. Patients with kidney disorders should perform this test on a regular basis, as instructed by the doctor.

If the test results fall in the normal reference range generally no medical intervention is necessary.

If the test result shows low levels of phosphorus in the urine it may indicate kidney failure, liver disease, hypoparathyroidism (a condition due to low levels of parathyroid hormone), diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes where the body produces high levels of ketones in the blood), rickets and osteomalacia (deficiency disorder due to the lack of vitamin D) etc. Decreased levels of phosphorus may also be seen in individuals consuming alcohol or who use antacids more frequently.

If the test result shows high levels of phosphorus in the urine it may indicate kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism (a condition due to high levels of parathyroid hormone), hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood), or presence of too much Vitamin D in the body. Increased levels of phosphorus in the urine may also be seen in individuals taking medicines such as diuretics etc.

If you have higher or lower levels of phosphorus in the urine consult your doctor for further instructions. Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.