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Chloride test - blood

Serum chloride test

 

Chloride is a type of electrolyte . It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance.

This article is about the laboratory test used to measure the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

How the Test is Performed

 

A blood sample is needed. Most of the time blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

Many medicines can interfere with blood test results.

  • Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test.
  • DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider first.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

You may have this test if you have signs that your body's fluid level or acid-base balance is disturbed.

This test is most often ordered with other blood tests, such as a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel.

 

Normal Results

 

A typical normal range is 96 to 106 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) or 96 to 106 millimoles per liter (millimol/L).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The example above shows the common measurement range for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

A greater-than-normal level of chloride is called hyperchloremia. It may be due to:

  • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (used to treat glaucoma)
  • Diarrhea
  • Metabolic acidosis
  • Respiratory alkalosis (compensated)
  • Renal tubular acidosis

A lower-than-normal level of chloride is called hypochloremia. It may be due to:

  • Addison disease
  • Bartter syndrome
  • Burns
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Dehydration
  • Excessive sweating
  • Hyperaldosteronism
  • Metabolic alkalosis
  • Respiratory acidosis (compensated)
  • Syndrome of inappropriate diuretic hormone secretion ( SIADH )
  • Vomiting

This test may also be done to help rule out or diagnose:

  • Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II
  • Primary hyperparathyroidism

 

 

References

Seifter JR. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 118.

 
  • Blood test - illustration

    Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

    Blood test

    illustration

    • Blood test - illustration

      Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.

      Blood test

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

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        Tests for Chloride test - blood

         

         

        Review Date: 5/3/2015

        Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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