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 diseaseHypoparathyroidism, a condition in which your parathyroid gland doesn't make enough parathyroid hormoneToo much vitamin D in your bodyToo much phosphate in your dietDiabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication of diabetesIf your test shows you have low phosphate/phosphorus levels, it may mean you have:Hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which your parathyroid gland produces too much parathyroid hormoneMalnutritionAlcoholismOsteomalacia, condition that causes bones to become soft and deformed. It's caused by a vitamin D deficiency. When this condition happens in children, it's known as rickets.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.
