Measures phosphate (phosphorus) levels in the blood.
Phosphate is almost always measured with calcium as diagnosis requires a reading of both panels. Increase levels of phosphate may indicate renal disease or hypoparathyroidism if calcium levels are low as well. If phosphate levels are low and calcium levels are high, this too may indicate hypoparthyroidism too or sarcoidosis. If both minerals produce a high reading this may indicate absorption issues, vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin D or renal acidosis. Hypervitaminosis and Milk-alkali syndrome are also possible if phosphate levels are high and calcium levels are normal.
Recommended with Phosphate
Is Fasting Required? No
More Information: http://www.questdiagnostics.com/testcenter/TestDetail.action?ntc=718