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Use these quick guides before reading the article, or return to them when you need help preparing questions for a doctor.
A chloride blood test (serum chloride) measures the level of chloride in your blood. Chloride is one of the electrolytes in your blood. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they are dissolved in a liquid.
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 diagnosis. সহজ বাংলা: রক্ত/প্রস্রাব/নমুনা পরীক্ষা।" data-rx-term="laboratory test" data-rx-definition="A laboratory test examines blood, urine, tissue, or other samples to help diagnosis. সহজ বাংলা: রক্ত/প্রস্রাব/নমুনা পরীক্ষা।">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 neoplasias (MEN) II
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
FAQ
What happens if serum chloride is low?
- Hypochloremia occurs when there’s a low level of chloride in your body. It can be caused by fluid loss through nausea or vomiting or by existing conditions, diseases, or medications. Your doctor may use a blood test to confirm hypochloremia. In mild cases, replenishing the chloride in your body can treat hypochloremia.
