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HelpTest ID: PHOS Phosphorus (Inorganic), Serum
Reporting Name
Phosphorus (Inorganic), SUseful For
Diagnosis and management of a variety of disorders including bone, parathyroid, and kidney disease
Clinical Information
Of the phosphorus contained in the body, 88% is localized in bone in the form of hydroxyapatite. The remainder is utilized during intermediary carbohydrate metabolism and bound to physiologically important substances such as phospholipids, nucleic acids, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Phosphorus exists in blood in the form of inorganic phosphate and organically bound phosphoric acid. The small amount of extracellular organic phosphorus is found exclusively in the form of phospholipids. Serum contains approximately 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL of inorganic phosphate (the fraction measure in routine biochemical assays). Serum phosphate concentrations are dependent on dietary intake and regulation by hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25 vitamin D, and systemic acid base status and may vary widely.
Hypophosphatemia may have 4 general causes: shift of phosphate from extracellular to intracellular, renal phosphate wasting, loss from the gastrointestinal tract, and loss from intracellular stores.
Hyperphosphatemia is usually secondary to an inability of the kidneys to excrete phosphate and is common in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 or greater. Acute hyperphosphatemia can occur as a result of tissue breakdown such as rhabdomyolysis. Other possible contributory factors are increased intake, especially in combination with chronic kidney disease, or a shift of phosphate from tissues into the extracellular fluid.
Interpretation
Hypophosphatemia is relatively common in hospitalized patients. Serum concentrations of phosphate between 1.5 and 2.4 mg/dL may be considered moderately decreased and are not usually associated with clinical signs and symptoms. Levels below 1.5 mg/dL may result in muscle weakness, hemolysis of red cells, coma, bone deformity, and impaired growth.
The most acute problem associated with rapid elevations of serum phosphate levels is hypocalcemia with tetany, seizures, and hypotension. Soft tissue calcification is also an important long-term effect of high phosphorus levels.
Phosphorus levels below 1.0 mg/dL are potentially life-threatening and are considered a critical value in the Mayo Health System.
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Clinical Reference
1. Delaney MP, Lamb EJ: Kidney disease. In: Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer CT, eds: Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018:1280-1283
2. Agarwal R, Knochel JP: Hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia. In: Brenner BM, ed. The Kidney. 6th ed. WB Saunders Company; 2000:1071-1125
3. Yu GC, Lee DBN: Clinical disorders of phosphorus metabolism. West J Med. 1987 Nov;147(5):569-576
4. Koumakis E, Cormier C, Roux C, Briot K: The causes of hypo- and hyperphosphatemia in humans. Calcif Tissue Int. 2021 Jan;108(1):41-73. doi: 10.1007/s00223-020-00664-9
Method Name
Photometric, Ammonium Molybdate
Specimen Type
SerumNecessary Information
Patient's age and sex are required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Patient should fast overnight (12-14 hours)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 365 days | |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Reference Values
Males
1-4 years: 4.3-5.4 mg/dL
5-13 years: 3.7-5.4 mg/dL
14-15 years: 3.5-5.3 mg/dL
16-17 years: 3.1-4.7 mg/dL
≥18 years: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
Reference values have not been established for patients that are less than 12 months of age.
Females
1-7 years: 4.3-5.4 mg/dL
8-13 years: 4.0-5.2 mg/dL
14-15 years: 3.5-4.9 mg/dL
16-17 years: 3.1-4.7 mg/dL
≥18 years: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
Reference values have not been established for patients that are less than 12 months of age.
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
84100
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PHOS | Phosphorus (Inorganic), S | 2777-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PHOS | Phosphorus (Inorganic), S | 2777-1 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.
mml-bone-minerals