Phosphate

Background

The adult human body contains about 620g of phosphorous entirely as phosphate. About 85% is in the form of bone, the remainder having structural roles as phospholipids and phosphoproteins. Phosphorous also plays a vital role in the high energy transfer reactions involving the conversion of ATP to ADP.

Serum and urine phosphate analysis is usually requested to investigate bone or renal disease. Urine phosphate is occasionally requested on patients who are recurrently forming renal calculi.

Reference ranges

Phosphate: 0.74 – 1.4 mmol/L
Urine: 12.9 – 42.0 mmol/24 hours

Specimen requirements

Sample type:

• Phosphate: Serum, Plasma (Lithium Heparin)
• Urine: Plain 24 Hour Urine Container or 25 mL White Top Universal Container

Sample identification:

• Three patient identifiers from
  • Name
  • D.O.B.
  • Address
  • N.H.S. number
  • Unit Number
  should match on the specimen and request form. This check may be performed prior to centrifugation by the Central Sort department.

Turnaround time

2 hours