A phosphate test measures the amount of phosphate in a blood
sample. Phosphate is a charged particle (ion) that contains the
mineral phosphorus. The body needs phosphorus to build and
repair bones and teeth, help nerves function, and make muscles
contract. Most (about 85%) of the phosphorus contained in
phosphate is found in bones. The rest of it is stored in tissues
throughout the body. kidneys help control the amount of
phosphate in the blood. Extra phosphate is filtered by the
kidneys and passes out of the body in the urine. A high level of
phosphate in the blood is usually caused by a kidney The amount
of phosphate in the blood affects the level of calcium in the
blood. Calcium and phosphate in the body react in opposite ways:
As blood calcium levels rise, phosphate levels fall. A hormone
called parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates the levels of calcium
and phosphorus in your blood. When the phosphorus level is
measured, sometimes a PTH level is measured at the same time.
The relation between calcium and p