What is phosphate in urine test?

A phosphate in urine test measures the amount of phosphate in your urine. Phosphate is an electrically charged particle that contains the mineral phosphorus. Phosphorus works together with the mineral calcium to build strong bones and teeth. It also plays an essential role in nerve function and how the body uses energy.

Your kidneys control the amount of phosphate in your body. If you have a problem with your kidneys, it can affect your phosphate levels. Phosphate levels that are too low or too high can be a sign of a serious health problem.

Other names: phosphorus test, P, PO4

What is it used for?

A phosphate in urine test may be used to:

• Help diagnose kidney problems
• Find the cause of a kidney stone, a small, pebble-like substance that can form in the kidneys
• Diagnose disorders of the endocrine system. An endocrine system is a group of glands that release hormones into your body. Hormones are chemical substances that control many important functions, including growth, sleep, and how your body uses food for energy.

Why do I need a phosphate in urine test?

Most people with high phosphate levels don't have any symptoms.
You may need a phosphate in a urine test if you have symptoms of a low phosphate level. These include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle cramping
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pain

You may also need a phosphate-in urine test if you've had abnormal results on a calcium test. Calcium and phosphate work together, so problems with calcium levels can mean problems with phosphate levels as well. Calcium testing in blood and/or urine is often part of a routine checkup.

What happens during a phosphate-in urine test?

You'll need to collect all your urine during a 24-hour period. This is called a 24-hour urine sample test. Your health care provider or a laboratory professional will give you a container to collect your urine in and instructions on how to collect and store your samples. A 24-hour urine sample test generally includes the following steps:

Empty your bladder in the morning and flush that urine down. Do not collect this urine. Record the time. For the next 24 hours, save all your urine in the container provided. Store your urine container in a refrigerator or a cooler with ice. Return the sample container to your health provider's office or the laboratory as instructed.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You don't need any special preparations for a phosphate-in urine test. Be sure to carefully follow all the instructions for providing a 24-hour urine sample.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is no known risk to having a phosphate in urine test.