Phosphate Test

Phosphate Test-Why am I having this test?

Phosphorus is a mineral that your body needs for bone growth as well as muscle and nerve function. When you eat foods that contain phosphorus, the phosphorus combines with oxygen in your intestines to form a substance called phosphate. The phosphate test may also be called a:

  • Serum phosphorus test.
  • Serum phosphate test.
  • Inorganic phosphorus test.
  • Inorganic phosphate test.

You may have this test:

  • If you have possible symptoms of having too much phosphate (hyperphosphatemia) or too little phosphate (hypophosphatemia).
  • To monitor treatment for diabetes or kidney disease.
  • If you have abnormal amounts of calcium in your blood.
  • If you are taking calcium or phosphate supplements.

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of phosphate in the blood.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

How do I prepare for this test?

Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. You may need to stop eating and drinking everything except water starting 12 hours before your test.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as a value that indicates how much phosphate is in your blood. This will be given as milligrams of phosphate per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) or as millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges are:

  • Adult: 3.0–4.5 mg/dL or 0.97–1.45 mmol/L (SI units).
  • Child: 4.5–6.5 mg/dL or 1.45–2.1 mmol/L (SI units).
  • Newborn: 4.3–9.3 mg/dL or 1.4–3.0 mmol/L (SI units).

What do the results mean?

A result within your reference range is considered normal, meaning that you have a normal amount of phosphate in your blood. This may mean that your diabetes or kidney treatment is working effectively, if applicable.

A result that is higher than your reference range means that there is too much phosphate in your blood. This may result from:

  • Hypoparathyroidism. This is a condition that means you do not make enough of a certain type of hormone (parathyroid hormone, or PTH).
  • Kidney failure.
  • Increased bone size due to excessive growth hormone (acromegaly).
  • Cancer.
  • Organ inflammation (sarcoidosis).
  • Low calcium levels (hypocalcemia).
  • Acid imbalance in your blood.
  • Rapid breakdown of muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis).
  • Lack of red blood cells due to rapid cell destruction (hemolytic anemia).
  • Eating too much phosphorus in your diet.
  • Having a medical treatment that increases your phosphate levels, such as an IV infusion.
  • A condition in which your body produces too much acid or fails to remove acid from your body (acidosis).

A result that is lower than your reference range means that there is too little phosphate in your blood. This may result from:

  • Hyperparathyroidism. This is a rare condition that means you make too much of a certain type of hormone (parathyroid hormone, or PTH).
  • Frequent use of antacid medicines.
  • High calcium levels (hypercalcemia).
  • Not eating enough phosphorous in your diet.
  • Long-term alcohol abuse.
  • Lack (deficiency) of vitamin D.
  • Treatment for low blood sugar (glucose), or having excess insulin in the body (hyperinsulinemia). Your diabetes treatment plan may need to be adjusted, if applicable.
  • Not getting enough nutrients in your diet (malnutrition).
  • An excessive amount of bases in the body (alkalosis). This is the opposite of acidosis.
  • Bloodstream infection (sepsis).

There are many possible causes of high or low phosphate levels. Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • Phosphorus is a mineral that your body needs for bone growth as well as muscle and nerve function.
  • When you eat foods that contain phosphorus, the phosphorus combines with oxygen in your intestines to form a substance called phosphate.
  • Results within your reference range are considered normal, meaning that you have a normal amount of phosphate in your blood.
  • A number of different conditions lead to high or low phosphate levels.
  • Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
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