PHOSPHATE (AS PHOS) TEST

Description

WHAT DOES A PHOSPHATE LAB TEST CHECK FOR?

The Phosphate (AS PHOS) Test measures the amount of phosphate in the blood.

AM I REQUIRED TO FAST FOR THIS LAB TEST?

No.

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A PHOSPHATE LAB TEST?

$49.00

*Price may vary by location – contact your local ANY LAB TEST NOW®

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY LAB TEST RESULTS?

Test results generally take between 24 to 72 business hours after your specimen is collected.

DESCRIPTION:

Phosphate is a charged ion in the blood that contains phosphorus, which is critical for building and repairing bones and teeth, helping nerves function, and making muscles contract.  It works closely with calcium in the body and most phosphorus (85%) is stored in the bones.  The kidneys filter extra phosphate out of the body and it is then eliminated in urine.  The parathyroid gland controls the level of phosphate and calcium in the body, but several diseases or infections could disrupt the relationship between phosphorus and calcium.

WHY DO I NEED MY PHOSPHATE LEVEL CHECKED?

Are you experiencing muscle cramping, weakness or bone problems?

Any of these symptoms could be present if calcium and phosphorus levels are out of balance.  If there is not enough phosphorus in the body due to malnutrition, malabsorption due to gastrointestinal problems, or a problem with the parathyroid gland, the levels of calcium will rise causing muscle cramps, weakness or other bone problems.  Extremely high levels of phosphate can lead to organ damage due to deposits of calcium in organ tissue (calcification).  Overconsumption of phosphate may be caused by taking excessive supplements or consuming prepackaged foods that contain large amounts of phosphate.  Children tend to have higher levels of phosphate in their blood because their bones are actively growing.

Unusual test results should be followed up with blood tests for calcium levels, parathyroid function, other electrolytes (Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium and Potassium) and possibly a Creatinine test or BUN (blood urea nitrogen) test to check kidney function.

TEST DETAILS:

NORMAL RANGE:

2.7-4.5 mg/dL or 0.87-1.45 mmol/L

HIGH RESULTS INDICATE:

High results may indicate kidney disease or failure, under activity of the parathyroid gland, too much vitamin D in the body, certain bone diseases or other conditions.

LOW RESULTS INDICATE:

Low results may indicate too much calcium in the body due to a dysfunction (over activity) of the parathyroid gland, malnutrition/malabsorption, alcoholism, the overuse of antacids or diuretics, kidney or liver disease, diabetic ketoacidosis (acid in the blood due to the metabolism of fat cells), or vitamin D deficiency.

WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICIAN SHOULD I  SEE IF MY TEST RESULTS ARE ABNORMAL OR OUT-OF-RANGE?

If your test results are abnormal or out-of-range, you should see your primary care physician.