Understanding Lab Tests for Rickets
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Rickets is a childhood bone disorder that affects growth and development, causing soft, weak bones that may become deformed. This condition is primarily caused by deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, which are essential for proper bone mineralization.
Top Recommended Test
Calcium, Serum
This test measures calcium levels in the blood, which is fundamental for diagnosing rickets. Since rickets is characterized by impeded growth and deformity of long bones due to deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, monitoring serum calcium levels helps identify calcium deficiency as a potential underlying cause of the condition.
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How Blood Tests Help Diagnose Rickets
While rickets is often suspected based on physical symptoms and X-ray findings, blood tests play a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis and identifying the underlying cause. These tests measure key minerals that are essential for bone health and can reveal deficiencies that lead to rickets.
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Phosphate (as Phosphorus)
This test measures phosphate levels in the blood, which is essential for rickets diagnosis. Rickets caused by vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate deficiency can lead to low phosphate levels in the blood (hypophosphatemia). Since phosphate is crucial for bone mineralization, this test helps identify phosphate deficiency as a contributing factor to the bone disorder.
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Understanding Your Results
Low levels of calcium or phosphate in the blood can indicate the mineral deficiencies that cause rickets. These results, combined with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic methods, help healthcare providers determine the appropriate treatment plan, which typically includes vitamin D supplementation and dietary modifications.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
