Phosphate (Blood)

Testing Laboratories

Waitematā | Northshore Hospital
Waitematā | Waitakere Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

SPO4

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0111

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

12 hours

Synonyms

PO4

Turnaround Time

2 hours

Specimen Type

• Plasma
• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Plain (Red Top)
• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

4

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Plain (Red Top)
• SST II (Gold Cap)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.4

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Test Method

Principle: Endpoint Assay
Reagents: Siemens Atellica CH Inorganic Phosphorus
Analyser: Siemens Atellica CH

There is a steady fall from 1 year of age, to reach adult levels at 15 years for girls and 17 years for boys. The serum phosphorus level in children is markedly higher than in adults but falls to adult levels when ossification of the skeleton is complete.
Carbohydrate infusions will decrease serum phosphate levels. There is a diurnal variation (up to 50%) in non-fasting patients, with highest levels in the late morning and lowest in the evening.

Increased concentrations are found with hypoparathyroidism, osteolytic metastatic bone tumours, healing fractures, renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, and acidosis.

Decreased concentrations are found with hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, osteomalacia, vitamin D deficiency, severe hypercalcaemia of any cause, and respiratory alkalosis.

Contact Information