Test Code 1036
Test Details
Phosphorus
Phosphates are vital for energy production, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth, and play an important role as a buffer, helping to maintain the body's acid-base balance.
Methodology
Photometric
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 4 days
Lab Values
Phosphorus
- Low: <2.5 mg/dL
- Normal: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
- High: >4.5 mg/dL
- Alert: ≤1.0 or ≥6.5
Clinical Significance
Phosphorus
- Hypophosphatemia may be seen with malnutrition, malabsorption, acid-base imbalances, hypercalcemia, and with disorders that affect kidney function. Hyperphosphatemia may be seen with increased intake of the mineral, hypocalcemia, and with kidney dysfunction.
- Hyperphosphatemia may be seen with increased intake of the mineral, hypocalcemia, and with kidney dysfunction.
Treatment Options
Phosphorus
Moderate hypophosphatemia can be treated with oral phosphate supplements while intravenous phosphate replacement is recommended for severe (<1.0 mg/dL) hypophosphatemia.
