Which compound forms calcium phosphate in alkaline urine?

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Multiple Choice

Which compound forms calcium phosphate in alkaline urine?

Alkaline urine shifts phosphate to more highly charged forms (like PO4^3−), so calcium ions in the urine readily combine with phosphate to form insoluble calcium phosphate. When their concentrations exceed the solubility limit, calcium phosphate precipitates, producing calcium phosphate crystals (such as brushite or hydroxyapatite) in alkaline conditions. The other items aren’t the same compound: a radiopaque dye is a contrast agent, triple phosphate is magnesium ammonium phosphate, and while amorphous phosphates can appear in alkaline urine, the calcium-containing salt formed under these conditions is calcium phosphate.

Alkaline urine shifts phosphate to more highly charged forms (like PO4^3−), so calcium ions in the urine readily combine with phosphate to form insoluble calcium phosphate. When their concentrations exceed the solubility limit, calcium phosphate precipitates, producing calcium phosphate crystals (such as brushite or hydroxyapatite) in alkaline conditions. The other items aren’t the same compound: a radiopaque dye is a contrast agent, triple phosphate is magnesium ammonium phosphate, and while amorphous phosphates can appear in alkaline urine, the calcium-containing salt formed under these conditions is calcium phosphate.

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