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Serum phosphorus - Risks

Alternative Names

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

What the risks are:

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.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling light-headed
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Special considerations:

The following can affect phosphorous levels:

Antacids
Enemas containing sodium phosphate
Excess vitamin D supplements
Glucose through a vein (intravenous)
Laxatives containing sodium phosphate
Methicillin

Blood test

Reviewed last on: 3/18/2008
Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Yu SLA. Disorders of magnesium and phosphorous. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 120.

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