Definition
Serum chloride test measures the amount of chloride in serum, the fluid portion of the blood.
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein or capillary. The laboratory centrifuges the blood to separate the cells from the serum. The chloride test is done on serum.
How to prepare for the test
Your doctor may instruct you to withhold drugs that can affect the test, such as:
- Drugs that may increase serum chloride measurements include acetazolamide, ammonium chloride, androgens, cortisone, estrogen, guanethidine, methyldopa, and NSAIDs.
- Drugs that may decrease serum chloride measurements include aldosterone, drugs containing bicarbonate, some diuretics, and triamterene.
Never stop taking medication unless instructed by your doctor.
Why the test is performed
Chloride (Cl-) is the major negative ion in the fluid outside the body's cells. Its main function is to maintain electrical neutrality, mostly as a counter-ion to sodium. Changes in the chloride level often accompany sodium losses and excesses.
Normal Values
Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. A typical normal range is 96 - 106 mEq/L.
Note: mEq/L = milliequivalents per liter
What abnormal results mean
Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:
- Respiratory alkalosis
- Metabolic acidosis due to GI bicarbonate loss
- Bromism (excess intake of bromide, usually with sub-standard anticonvulsants)
- Excess infusion of normal saline
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
- Renal tubular acidosis
Lower-than-normal levels may indicate:
- Addison's disease
- Burns
- Chronic compensated respiratory acidosis
- Congestive heart failure
- Gastric suction or vomiting
- Over hydration
- Excessive sweating
- Salt-losing nephritis
- Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion
- Metabolic alkalosis
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
| • | Ions |
| • | Serum sodium |
| • | Hyperventilation |
| • | Metabolic acidosis |
| • | Proximal renal tubular acid... |
| • | Addison’s disease |
| • | Respiratory acidosis |
| • | Heart failure |
| • | Gastric suction |
| • | ADH |
Reviewed By: Debbie Cohen, M.D., Renal and Electrolyte Division, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
