Phosphate blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Phosphate is the body's main form of the mineral phosphorus. Around 85 percent of it is held in bones and teeth, where it combines with calcium to give them strength. The rest is used inside every cell to make energy, build cell membranes and carry genetic information.

The blood level of phosphate is controlled mainly by the kidneys, with help from parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. That is why phosphate is usually interpreted next to calcium, PTH, vitamin D and kidney markers rather than on its own.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed.

Who it is for

• You are concerned about bone health, or you have low bone density or recurrent fractures.
• A previous test showed abnormal calcium or PTH and you want a fuller picture.
• You have reduced kidney function and are monitoring your minerals.
• You have a condition or diet that affects absorption, such as a digestive disorder or long-term heavy alcohol use.
• Your practitioner has suggested checking phosphate during recovery from a period of poor nutrition.

Understanding your result

A raised phosphate is most often linked to reduced kidney function, because the kidneys are the main route for removing it. It can also be raised with underactive parathyroid glands or after taking phosphate-containing laxatives. A low phosphate can follow poor nutrition, heavy alcohol use, an overactive parathyroid gland, low vitamin D, long-term use of some antacids, or the restarting of eating after a period of very little food. A sample left too long before processing can also give a falsely high reading.

Your report shows the laboratory reference range. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not essential, but phosphate dips after a meal, especially a carbohydrate-rich one, so a morning appointment before breakfast gives the most consistent result. Tell us if you take antacids, phosphate binders, vitamin D or calcium supplements, or laxatives, and we will confirm any further preparation when you book.

Phosphate is part of the Kidney Health Check and the Omnia Essential check, where it is read alongside calcium and kidney markers. For a wider picture, see Standard Screen or browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a phosphate blood test in Chiswick?

The phosphate blood test costs £49. That covers the sample at our clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Do I need to fast for a phosphate test?

It is not required, but coming in before breakfast helps, because a large meal can lower phosphate for a few hours.

What does a high phosphate level usually mean?

The most common reason is reduced kidney function. Your practitioner will look at your kidney markers alongside it and suggest next steps.

How is phosphate linked to calcium?

The two minerals work together in bone and are regulated by the same hormones. When one changes, the other often does too, so they are read together.