What do the results mean?The terms phosphate and phosphorus can mean the same thing in test results. So your results may show phosphorus levels rather than phosphate levels.If your test shows you have high phosphate/phosphorus levels, it may mean you have:Kidney diseaseToo much vitamin D in your bodyHyperparathyroidism, a condition in which your parathyroid gland produces too much parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid gland is a small gland in your neck that helps control the amount of calcium in your blood.If your test shows you have low phosphate/phosphorus levels, it may mean you have:Kidney diseaseLiver diseaseMalnutritionAlcoholismDiabetic ketoacidosisOsteomalacia (also known as rickets), a condition that causes bones to become soft and deformed. It's caused by a vitamin D deficiency.If your phosphate/phosphorus levels are not normal, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical condition needing treatment. Other factors, such as your diet, can affect your results. Also, children often have higher phosphate levels because their bones are still growing. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
