$2.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Metabolism & organs
Phosphate test
Mineral important for bone, energy (ATP), and cell membranes.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Phosphorus is a mineral that works with calcium to build bones and teeth and helps your cells make energy. Your kidneys keep the level in your blood in balance.
Why it matters for women
Phosphorus is often checked with calcium when bone health or the parathyroid glands, tiny glands in the neck, are in question, and parathyroid problems are most common in women after menopause. Levels can also drop when eating picks back up after a long stretch of very little food, as in recovery from an eating disorder.
You might check it if…
- a calcium or kidney result came back out of range
- you’ve had bone pain, weakness or thinning bones
- you’re recovering from an eating disorder or a long illness
- a doctor is checking your parathyroid glands
What your result may mean
High Phosphate: what it may mean
High phosphate (hyperphosphatemia) may point to reduced kidney function, an underactive parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism), too much vitamin D (vitamin D toxicity) or muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). Phosphate-based laxatives or bowel preps can raise it for a time. A delayed or damaged sample can also read falsely high. You may feel nothing from the phosphate itself, though some people may notice cramps or tingling if calcium drops at the same time. Your calcium, parathyroid hormone and kidney results can help explain the number.
Low Phosphate: what it may mean
Low phosphate (hypophosphatemia) can happen with refeeding syndrome, when eating picks back up after a long stretch of very little food, as in recovery from an eating disorder. Heavy alcohol use, low vitamin D, phosphate-binding antacids and an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism), which can be more common in women after menopause, can also lower it. Some people may notice weakness, bone pain or confusion when levels fall very low. A recent sugary or starchy meal can lower it for a short time.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.