Have you used a home testing kit for a medical diagnosis?

COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.

The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.

Simply complete a short survey at:
https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI

From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.

For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
 

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At a glance

Also known as

Phosphorus; P; PO4

Why get tested?

To evaluate the level of phosphate in your blood and to aid in the diagnosis of conditions known to cause abnormally high or low levels of phosphate. Levels of calcium, magnesium and the hormones PTH, vitamin D and FGF23 (fibroblast growth factor 23) may also be measured.

When to get tested?

Phosphate is tested in people with metabolic bone disease, particularly as a follow-up to an abnormal calcium level, in patients who are severely ill and also if you have a kidney disorder.

Sample required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or urine collection (usually a 24-hour sample)

What is being tested?

The majority, (70–80 per cent) of phosphate exists in the bones, complexed with calcium as hydroxyapatite, and a small fraction, 1 per cent is in the blood mainly as inorganic phosphate and phospholipids. The rest is found within cells throughout the body, where it is mainly used to store energy. This small blood fraction is under hormonal control by PTH, vitamin D and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23).

Absorption of dietary phosphate occurs in the small intestine utilising pathways which may involve vitamin D, and FGF23 mobilises phosphate from bone, to maintain plasma phosphate levels for energy use. Ten to twenty percent of phosphate is excreted via the kidneys which help maintain steady phosphate levels in the blood via tubular reabsorption from urine.

In the body, phosphorus is combined with oxygen to form a variety of phosphates (PO4). Phosphates are vital for energy production, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth. They also play an important role as a buffer, helping to maintain the body’s acid-base balance

Most phosphate in the body comes from dietary sources. A variety of foods, such as beans, peas and nuts, cereals, dairy products, eggs, beef, chicken and fish contain small amounts of phosphate. 

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the 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).

The Test

How is it used?

Phosphate testing can be helpful in people who are malnourished or who are being treated for ketoacidosis. Phosphate testing is used to help diagnose and evaluate the severity of conditions and diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract, interfering with the absorption of phosphate, calcium and magnesium. Testing also can help to diagnose disorders that affect the kidneys, interfering with mineral excretion and conservation, and phosphate levels are carefully monitored in people with kidney failure.

When a person has a known problem that affects their phosphate and/or calcium levels, phosphate levels may be monitored regularly to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Usually, it is done with other tests.

While phosphate levels are most commonly performed on blood samples, fasting or timed urine phosphate measurements also may be used to monitor phosphate elimination by the kidneys.

When is it requested?

A phosphate test is often requested to help interpret abnormal blood calcium levels which may be due to either over or under-activity of the parathyroid glands or due to vitamin D deficiency.

To follow up patients with chronic renal disease as high phosphate found in renal disease contributes to bone disease and calcification of arteries.

In very malnourished people phosphate levels may fall rapidly and require monitoring after they are given food.

In hospitalised patients who are on intravenous glucose, levels are monitored frequently as phosphate levels can fall after glucose infusion in severely ill patients.

Some rare genetic disorders, unusual tumours and some drugs may alter phosphate levels.

What does the test result mean?

Dietary deficiencies in phosphate are rare but may be seen with alcoholism and malnutrition.

Low levels of phosphate (hypophosphataemia) may also be due to or associated with:

  • Hypercalcaemia (high levels of calcium)
  • Overuse of diuretics (drugs that encourage urination)
  • Severe burns
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis after treatment
  • Chronic antacid use
  • Rickets and osteomalacia (due to Vitamin D deficiencies)

Higher than normal levels of phosphate (hyperphosphataemia) may be due to or associated with:

  • Kidney failure
  • Hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid gland)
  • Hypocalcaemia (abnormally low levels of calcium)
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis when first seen
  • Phosphate supplementation

Reference Intervals

Adult
0.75- 1.50 mmol/L

Paediatrics
0 days to 1 week        1.25–2.85 mmol/L
1 week - 4 weeks        1.50–2.75 mmol/L
4 weeks - 26 weeks    1.45–2.50 mmol/L
26 weeks - 1 year       1.30–2.30 mmol/L
1 year - 4 years          1.10–2.20 mmol/L
4 years - 15 years      0.90–2.00 mmol/L
15 years - 18 years    0.80–1.85 mmol/L
18 years - 20 years    0.75–1.65 mmol/L

The reference intervals shown above are known as a harmonised reference interval. This means that eventually all laboratories in Australia will eventually use this same interval so wherever your sample is tested, the reference interval should be the one shown above. Laboratories are in the process of adopting these harmonised intervals so it is possible that the intervals shown on the report of your results for this test may be slightly different until this change is fully adopted. More information can be found under Reference Intervals – An Overview.


 

Is there anything else I should know?

Abnormally high levels of phosphate can lead to organ damage due to calcification (calcium phosphate deposits in organs, such as the kidneys).

Phosphate levels are normally higher in children than in adults because their bones are actively growing. Low phosphate levels in children can inhibit bone growth. Very low levels of phosphate are rare but require swift medical attention.

Soft drinks and pre-packaged food items are high in phosphate content, sometimes as phosphoric acid, which some nutritionists believe contributes to over consumption of phosphorus.

Test results may be affected by the use of enemas and laxatives containing sodium phosphate, excess vitamin D supplements, and by intravenous glucose administration.

Common Questions

If there are no symptoms, how will I know if I have an abnormal phosphate level?

Abnormal phosphate levels are usually detected because of the relationship with and effect on calcium. If you have abnormal calcium levels, your doctor usually will check your phosphate and alkaline phosphatase level.

Can vegetarians meet their phosphate needs without resorting to meat or dairy products?

Yes, but only about 50% of the phosphate in plant sources such as beans, lentils, grains, peanuts and almonds is available to the body because we lack the enzymes to process it. An exception to this is yeast breads because yeast provides the necessary enzyme.

Last Review Date: January 9, 2023


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