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Phosphate in Urine

(continued)

How It Feels

There is no pain while collecting a 24-hour urine sample.

Risks

There is no chance for problems while collecting a 24-hour urine sample.

Results

The phosphate urine test measures the amount of phosphate in a sample of urine collected over 24 hours (24-hour urine test). Phosphate is a charged particle (ion) that contains the mineral phosphorus.

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.

Results are usually available in 1 to 2 days.

**Phosphate in urine**¹
Adults:	0.4-1.3 grams (g) per 24-hour urine sample	13-42 millimoles (mmol) per day
Calcium- and phosphate-restricted diet:	Less than 1.0 g per 24-hour urine sample	Less than 32 mmol per day

�

Many conditions can change phosphate levels. Your doctor will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your symptoms and past health.

High values

High urine phosphate levels may be caused by:

Kidney diseases.
An overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism).
Too much vitamin D in the body.

Low values

Low urine phosphate levels may be caused by:

An underactive parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism).
Kidney or liver diseases.
Severe malnutrition.

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

Taking certain medicines, such as diltiazem (such as Cardizem), aspirin, corticosteroids, diuretics, or parathyroid hormone.
Taking a lot of antacids.
Not collecting all of your urine within the 24-hour collection period.

What To Think About

Phosphate may also be measured in the blood. For more information, see the topic Phosphate in Blood.
Results of a test to measure phosphate in urine are seldom useful on their own. They should always be interpreted along with the results of other tests.
The loss of too much phosphate into the urine may cause conditions that damage the bones, such as rickets or osteomalacia.

Related Information

Citations
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2008). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 5th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.
Other Works Consulted
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2008). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 5th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology
Last Revised	September 30, 2011

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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.