Question 1

What is hyperphosphatemia?

Accepted Answer

Hyperphosphatemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of phosphate in the blood. It is caused by kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, or excessive phosphate intake that overwhelms the body's ability to excrete it. The Phosphate (as Phosphorus) blood test is the most important test for diagnosis as it directly measures phosphate levels in the blood.

Question 2

What causes hyperphosphatemia?

Accepted Answer

Hyperphosphatemia is caused by chronic kidney disease, which prevents the kidneys from filtering excess phosphate from the blood effectively. Other causes include hypoparathyroidism, where low parathyroid hormone levels reduce phosphate excretion, and excessive phosphate intake from supplements or certain medications like phosphate-containing laxatives. When kidney function declines below 30% of normal, the body loses its ability to maintain proper phosphate balance, leading to dangerous accumulation in the bloodstream.

Question 3

What is the best test for hyperphosphatemia?

Accepted Answer

The Phosphate (as Phosphorus) blood test is the most important test for hyperphosphatemia because it directly measures the amount of phosphate circulating in your blood. Normal phosphate levels range from 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL, and this test confirms whether your levels are elevated above this range. Since hyperphosphatemia is defined by high phosphate levels, this test provides the definitive diagnosis. The Kidney Function Profile is also essential because it evaluates creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and glomerular filtration rate to identify kidney disease as the underlying cause of elevated phosphate.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hyperphosphatemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have chronic kidney disease, are on dialysis, or have been diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Testing is also important if you experience symptoms like bone pain, joint stiffness, itchy skin, or muscle cramps, as these can indicate calcium-phosphate imbalances. People taking phosphate supplements or medications that affect kidney function should have their phosphate levels monitored regularly to prevent dangerous complications like vascular calcification and heart disease.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hyperphosphatemia?

Accepted Answer

Hyperphosphatemia often causes no symptoms initially, but as phosphate levels rise, you might notice severe itching, bone and joint pain, muscle cramps, and fatigue. High phosphate levels can bind with calcium in your blood, causing calcium deposits in soft tissues, blood vessels, and organs. This leads to hardening of the arteries, red eyes from calcium deposits, and numbness or tingling around the mouth. Advanced cases can cause irregular heartbeat and breathing difficulties due to calcium deposits affecting heart and lung function.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hyperphosphatemia?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic kidney disease, especially those in stages 4 and 5 or on dialysis, face the highest risk because their kidneys cannot remove excess phosphate effectively. Those with hypoparathyroidism, tumor lysis syndrome from cancer treatment, or rhabdomyolysis from severe muscle breakdown are also at significant risk. Additionally, people who take excessive vitamin D supplements, use phosphate-containing enemas frequently, or consume very high-protein diets may develop elevated phosphate levels.

Question 7

What happens if hyperphosphatemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hyperphosphatemia leads to serious cardiovascular complications including vascular calcification, where calcium-phosphate deposits harden your arteries and significantly increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. High phosphate levels cause secondary hyperparathyroidism, which weakens bones and leads to fractures, a condition called renal osteodystrophy. Calcium deposits can form in your heart valves, lungs, eyes, and skin, causing organ dysfunction. Long-term untreated hyperphosphatemia substantially increases mortality risk in people with chronic kidney disease.

Question 8

Can hyperphosphatemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hyperphosphatemia is definitively diagnosed with a blood test that measures serum phosphate levels. A simple blood draw allows laboratory analysis to determine if your phosphate levels exceed the normal range of 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL. Your doctor will typically order additional tests like kidney function panels, calcium levels, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D levels to identify the underlying cause and assess related metabolic imbalances. These blood tests provide a complete picture of your phosphate metabolism and kidney health.

Question 9

How is hyperphosphatemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment focuses on reducing phosphate levels through dietary restriction, limiting high-phosphate foods like dairy products, nuts, beans, and processed meats. Phosphate binders taken with meals bind to phosphate in food, preventing absorption in your intestines. For people with kidney disease, optimizing dialysis treatment helps remove excess phosphate from the blood. Your doctor may also adjust medications, treat underlying conditions like hypoparathyroidism, and correct vitamin D deficiencies. Regular blood test monitoring ensures treatment effectiveness and prevents complications.

Question 10

How can I prevent hyperphosphatemia?

Accepted Answer

If you have kidney disease, follow a low-phosphate diet by avoiding high-phosphate foods like dairy, cola drinks, processed meats, and foods with phosphate additives. Take phosphate binders exactly as prescribed with every meal and snack. Maintain proper hydration to support kidney function and avoid excessive protein intake. Regular monitoring through blood tests allows early detection before levels become dangerously high. Work closely with a renal dietitian to create meal plans that balance nutrition while controlling phosphate intake.

Question 11

What can I do at home for hyperphosphatemia?

Accepted Answer

Read nutrition labels carefully and avoid foods with ingredients containing phosphate additives like sodium phosphate or phosphoric acid, commonly found in processed foods and soft drinks. Keep a food diary to track phosphate intake and stay within your prescribed daily limit, typically 800-1000 mg for people with kidney disease. Prepare fresh meals at home rather than eating processed foods, and choose plant-based proteins over animal proteins when possible as they contain less absorbable phosphate. Take all prescribed phosphate binders consistently with meals and maintain regular follow-up appointments to monitor your levels.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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High Phosphate Levels Blood Test

What is Hyperphosphatemia?

What causes hyperphosphatemia?

What is the best test for hyperphosphatemia?

When should I get tested for hyperphosphatemia?

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