Phosphorus - serum; HPO4^-2, PO4^-3; Inorganic phosphate; Phosphorus blood test

Normal values range from 2.4 - 4.1 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Higher than normal levels (hyperphosphatemia) may indicate:

• Bone metastasis
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Hypocalcemia
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Increased dietary or intravenous (IV) intake of phosphate
• Liver disease
• Renal failure
• Sarcoidosis
• Too much vitamin D
• Use of certain medications such as phosphate-containing laxatives

Lower than normal levels (hypophosphatemia) may indicate:

• Hypercalcemia
• Hyperinsulinism
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Malnutrition
• Too little dietary intake of phosphate or vitamin D, resulting in rickets (childhood) or osteomalacia (adult)

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II
• Secondary hyperparathyroidism
• Tertiary hyperparathyroidism

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Serum phosphorus Overview

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Serum phosphorus Risks

Review Date: 11/15/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)