Phosphate in Blood

Blood Phosphate (PO4), PO4 (Phosphate), Blood

What To Think About

• Results of a test to measure phosphate in blood are not useful on their own. Other electrolytes (such as calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, and sodium) may also be measured. For more information, see the medical tests Calcium in Blood, Calcium in Urine, Chloride, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium.
• Other blood tests, such as a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test or a creatinine test, can also be used to check kidney function. For more information, see the medical tests Blood Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine and Creatinine Clearance.
• Children with low phosphate levels may grow more slowly than other children.
• Low phosphate levels may occur in people who have type 2 diabetes or when a person who has diabetic ketoacidosis is being treated with insulin.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: November 27, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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