Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Phosphate levels may be used in the diagnosis and management of a variety of disorders including bone, parathyroid and renal disease. 88% of the phosphorus contained in the body is localized in bone in the form of hydroxyapatite. The remainder is involved in intermediary metabolism. Phosphorus occurs in blood in the form of inorganic phosphate and organically bound phosphoric acid. Serum phosphate concentrations are dependent on meals and variation in the secretion of hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and may vary widely. Hypophosphataemia may have three general causes: shift of phosphate between extracellular to intracellular compartments, renal phosphate wasting, and loss from the gastrointestinal tract. Hyperphosphataemia is usually secondary to an inability of the kidneys to excrete phosphate. Other factors may relate to increased intake or a shift of phosphate from the tissues into the extracellular fluid.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL blood
Sample stability:
Unseparated: one day
Separated:
24 hours at 15 to 25C,
4 days at 2 to 8C,
1 year at -20C
Reference ranges:
< 4w: 1.30 – 2.60 mmol/L
4w – 1y: 1.30 – 2.40 mmol/L
1y – 16y: 0.90 – 1.80 mmol/L
16y and over: 0.80 – 1.50 mmol/L
Other info:
lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable