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Serum phosphorus - Results

Alternative Names

Phosphorus - serum; HPO4-2, PO4-3; Inorganic phosphate

Normal Values:

Normal values range from 2.4 - 4.1 mg/dl.

Note: mg/dl = milligrams per deciliter

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

What abnormal results mean:

Higher than normal levels may indicate:

Bone metastasis
Hypocalcemia
Hypoparathyroidism
Increased dietary or intravenous (IV) intake of phosphate
Liver disease
Renal failure
Sarcoidosis

Lower than normal levels may indicate:

Diabetic ketoacidosis
Hypercalcemia
Hyperinsulinism
Hyperparathyroidism
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:

Blood test

Reviewed last on: 3/18/2008
Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Yu SLA. Disorders of magnesium and phosphorous. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 120.

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