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Phosphate in Blood

(continued)

Results

A phosphate test measures the amount of phosphate in a blood sample. Phosphate is a charged particle (ion) that contains the mineral phosphorus. Phosphate levels are usually higher in children than in adults because of the active bone growth occurring in children.

Results are usually available in 1 to 2 hours.

Normal

The normal values listed here-called a reference range-are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what?s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

**Phosphate in blood**¹
	Milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)	Millimoles per liter (mmol/L)
Adults:	2.7-4.5	0.87-1.45
Children:	4.5-5.5	1.45-1.78
Newborns:	4.5-9.0	1.45-2.91

�

High values

High phosphate levels may be caused by:

Kidney disease, underactive parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism), acromegaly, rhabdomyolysis, healing fractures, untreated diabetic ketoacidosis, or certain bone diseases.
Too much vitamin D in the body.

Low values

Low phosphate levels may be caused by:

Hyperparathyroidism, certain bone diseases (such as osteomalacia), lack of vitamin D, severe burns, or some kidney or liver diseases.
Severe malnutrition or starvation.
A condition such as sprue that prevents the intestines from absorbing nutrients properly.
Alcohol dependence.
High calcium levels.

What Affects the Test

Results from a blood phosphate test may be affected by:

Taking too much vitamin D.
Using some medicines that can decrease phosphate levels, such as acetazolamide, and epinephrine. A large infusion of sugar (glucose) that causes insulin levels to increase can also decrease phosphate levels.
Having a disease, such as lymphoma, that causes calcium levels to rise or fall.

What To Think About

Results of a test to measure phosphate in blood are not useful on their own. Other electrolytes (such as calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, and sodium) may also be measured. For more information, see the topics Calcium in Blood, Calcium in Urine, Chloride, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium.
Other blood tests, such as a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test or a creatinine test, can also be used to check kidney function. For more information, see the topics Blood Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine and Creatinine Clearance.
Children with low phosphate levels may grow more slowly than other children.
Low phosphate levels may occur in people who have type 2 diabetes or when a person who has diabetic ketoacidosis is being treated with insulin.

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 30, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.