Clinical Chemistry - Phosphorus (Inorganic)

The human body contains approximately one kilogram of phosphorous. The calcium phosphate salts which comprise the inorganic substance of bone account for approximately 80% of the total phosphorous content. The remainder is distributed throughout other cells of the body primarily as organic phosphorous in phospholipids and phosphoproteins. Measurements of phosphorus (inorganic) are used in the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders including parathyroid gland and kidney diseases, and vitamin D imbalance.