Inorganic Phosphate medical test
Learn about Inorganic Phosphate medical tests, including what the tests are used for, why a doctor may order a test, how a test will feel, and what the results may mean.
What is Inorganic Phosphate test?
A phosphate in blood test measures the amount of phosphate in your blood. Phosphate is an electrically charged particle that contains the mineral phosphorus. Phosphorus works together with the mineral calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
What the Inorganic Phosphate test used for?
A phosphate in blood test may be used to:
- Diagnose and monitor kidney disease and bone disorders
- Diagnose parathyroid disorders. Parathyroid glands are small glands located in the neck. They make hormones that control the amount of calcium in the blood. If the gland makes too much or too little of these hormones, it can cause serious health problems.
How is the procedure performed?
Blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. If a timed urine sample is required, you will be asked to save all of your urine over a set time period (usually 24 hours).
What will be the results interprets?
If your phosphate/phosphorus levels are not normal, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical condition needing treatment. Other factors, such as your diet, can affect your results. Also, children often have higher phosphate levels because their bones are still growing. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
| Gender | Normal | |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1-4 years | 4.3-5.4 mg/dL |
| 5-13 years | 3.7-5.4 mg/dL | |
| 14-15 years | 3.5-5.3 mg/dL | |
| 16-17 years | 3.1-4.7 mg/dL | |
| > or =18 years | 2.5-4.5 mg/dL | |
| Female | 1-7 years | 4.3-5.4 mg/dL |
| 8-13 years | 4.0-5.2 mg/dL | |
| 14-15 years | 3.5-4.9 mg/dLdL | |
| 16-17 years | 3.1-4.7 mg/dL | |
| > or =18 years | 2.5-4.5 mg/dL | |
Hypophosphatemia is relatively common in hospitalized patients. Serum concentrations of phosphate between 1.5 and 2.4 mg/dL may be consider moderately decreased and are not usually associated with clinical signs and symptoms. Levels below 1.5 mg/dL may result in muscle weakness, hemolysis of red cells, coma, and bone deformity and impaired growth. Phosphorus levels below 1.0 mg/dL are potentially life-threatening and are considered a critical value in the Mayo Health System.
If your test shows you have high phosphate/phosphorus levels, it may mean you have:
- Kidney disease
- Hypoparathyroidism, a condition in which your parathyroid gland doesn't make enough parathyroid hormone
- Too much vitamin D in your body
- Too much phosphate in your diet
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication of diabetes
If your test shows you have low phosphate/phosphorus levels, it may mean you have:
- Hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which your parathyroid gland produces too much parathyroid hormone
- Malnutrition
- Alcoholism
- Osteomalacia, condition that causes bones to become soft and deformed. It's caused by a vitamin D deficiency. When this condition happens in children, it's known as rickets.